Nepal monitors two lakes for flood risk as upstream threat remains

Nepalese authorities are closely monitoring two lakes that have formed upstream of the flood zone where hundreds died earlier in the week. The lingering threat of further flooding remains until these lakes fully drain, according to an official from Nepal's Disaster Management Authority.

One of the two lakes began overflowing on Friday. Satellite images have confirmed the formation of these lakes near the site of a glacial collapse, which is believed to have sent rock, ice, and debris into river systems, causing flood waves that destroyed homes and bridges. Aerial footage captured by a Chinese rescue team on Thursday showed water accumulating and a lake increasing in size.

However, new satellite imagery from Friday indicates that while water was draining from the first lake, a second lake upstream appeared to be growing. This second lake has a larger surface area and no visible outlet, raising concerns that water pressure may continue to build. The monitoring efforts are currently reliant on satellite imagery, which is limited by image availability.

To enhance surveillance, Nepal plans to install cameras and sensors downstream, particularly near the border town of Timure. These installations will be assessed for deployment options via helicopter, aiming to provide more real-time data on flood conditions.