Nepal-China border floods: Death toll surpasses 500, new lake raises flood threat

Rescuers on Friday pulled mud-caked survivors from the debris and airlifted stranded individuals to safety as Nepal and China grappled with the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods. The disaster has claimed over 500 lives, with more than 1,500 people reported missing across the border region.

Nepal's disaster management authority reported 538 deaths, while police later revised the toll to 547. Over 3,700 people have been rescued in Nepal. On the Chinese side, the death toll rose to five, with state media showing evacuations and relief efforts. China had previously reported 558 people missing in the affected areas.

Authorities have issued a fresh alert due to a potential new flood threat originating from a burst dam on the Tibetan side. Security personnel and rescue teams are on high alert, prepared to move to safety if necessary. This new danger may be linked to a barrier lake that formed high in the Himalayas after the initial flash floods.

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It hasn’t stopped.

Chinese broadcaster CCTV reported the barrier lake is situated at an elevation of 2,950 meters (9,680 feet). Both Nepali and Chinese authorities had previously warned of potential flooding from this lake, which was already overflowing. Residents in downstream areas were urged to seek safer ground.

Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, including complex operations within a hydropower tunnel in Rasuwa, the focus remains on finding survivors. The challenging terrain and the threat of further flooding complicate the immediate response to this devastating event.

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It is complicated to find the entry and exit points of the tunnel because ev