Nepal-China border flash flood rescue efforts paused amid fears of new lake overflow

Rescue operations in the areas devastated by a catastrophic flash flood along the Nepal-China border were temporarily suspended Friday amid fears of a newly formed, overflowing lake. This natural dam, created by immense piles of debris from Wednesday's disaster, poses a significant risk of triggering further flooding in already hard-hit regions.

Authorities reported that the death toll in Nepal has climbed to 469, a stark increase from the previous day's count. Across both Nepal and China, more than 1,500 people remain missing. Rescuers have been working tirelessly through mud and debris in a desperate search for survivors. China has reported three deaths in Tibet, while Nepal's figures continue to rise as more bodies are recovered.

Officials from both countries have issued urgent warnings about the potential for additional flooding. The newly formed lake, situated upstream, is already overflowing. Chinese authorities estimate it holds approximately 70 million cubic feet of water and is expected to receive another 106 million cubic feet in the coming days. People residing in areas potentially threatened by the rising waters have been urged to evacuate to safer ground.

The Nepal Army has deployed a team to inspect the Bhotekoshi River near the border, assessing the risk of further inundation. Additionally, a team was sent to the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project following reports of individuals trapped inside a tunnel. The challenging conditions, with tunnels and access points buried under mud, complicate rescue efforts. The primary focus remains on locating and extracting stranded individuals. The scale of the disaster is evident in videos showing floodwaters destroying buildings, bridges, and vehicles, leaving behind a landscape of mud-covered ruins.

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It is complicated to find the entry and exit points of the tunnel because everything has been covered by mud. Our first priority is rescuing the stranded people.