Nepal prepares aerial reconnaissance after barrier lake breach near China border

Nepal is mobilizing for aerial reconnaissance to assess the potential impact of a reported breach in a barrier lake near its border with China. The lake, formed by floodwaters at the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, has raised fresh concerns about another surge of water into Nepal's Bhotekoshi river.

Narendra Pariyar, Rasuwa Chief District Officer, confirmed on Friday that the Nepali Army had informed him of the breach. This development follows a warning from Chinese authorities the previous day, who had stated that the lake was already overflowing and faced a high risk of breaching as more water flowed into it. The National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Authority reported a surge in the Bhotekoshi river's water level.

Helicopters stationed in Dhunche and other parts of Rasuwa are slated for deployment for the reconnaissance mission. An official at the Rescue Coordination Centre at Tribhuvan International Airport indicated that no additional helicopters would be dispatched from Kathmandu. The reconnaissance aims to evaluate the situation along the Bhotekoshi and identify areas potentially at higher risk following the reported breach.

China's Ministry of Water Resources had estimated the lake's volume at approximately 2 million cubic meters as of Thursday morning. State media reports cited by the Global Times suggested an additional 3 million cubic meters of water was expected to enter the lake over the following three days. Chinese authorities had stated they were closely monitoring the lake, conducting flood simulations, and performing hydrological analysis to prepare for emergency rescue and flood-control operations.

The reported breach occurs just two days after a sudden and powerful flood swept through areas along the Nepal-China border, resulting in casualties, infrastructure destruction, and hundreds missing. That flood struck the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, damaging roads, bridges, and buildings before moving downstream. Security forces and rescue teams continue to search for those swept away, with bodies recovered downstream. Authorities have restricted movement along key highways and evacuated residents from vulnerable areas as they assess the possibility of further flooding.

“

Information has come that the lake on the Chinese side has breached. So, preparations are underway to send helicopters stationed in Dhunche and Rasuwa for reconnaissance.