Nepal landslide triggers massive floods, creating two new lakes and raising fears of a second disaster

A devastating landslide and subsequent flash flood in the border region between Nepal and China's Tibet has claimed at least 392 lives as of Thursday evening, with the number of missing persons exceeding 1,400. The disaster, which occurred on August 27th, has dramatically altered the landscape, forming two massive lakes by damming rivers with the immense volume of displaced soil and rocks.

Nepalese police reported recovering 389 bodies, while Chinese state media confirmed three deaths on their side, bringing the total confirmed fatalities to 392. The scale of the disaster is further highlighted by the 1,468 individuals reported missing by Nepalese authorities. Among the missing are 540 foreign nationals from over 20 countries, including a significant number of Indian pilgrims.

Authorities are now sounding the alarm over the potential for a catastrophic secondary flood. The newly formed lakes pose a significant risk as their water levels continue to rise. Nepalese disaster management officials have issued urgent warnings, urging residents, travelers, and rescue personnel near the affected rivers to evacuate to higher ground due to the imminent danger of the lakes bursting.

Chinese water resource experts predict that approximately 3 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to about 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools, could flow into the dammed lakes over the next three days. The risk of a breach is considered highest around September 1st. Adding to the peril, forecasts indicate continued rainfall over the next week, further increasing the instability of the lakes and the potential for a devastating secondary flood.

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The risk of the lakes bursting is highest around September 1st.