New barrier lake in Nepal raises fresh flood threat, China warns

A significant barrier lake has formed in Nepal, prompting urgent warnings from Chinese authorities about the potential for a breach. Chinese officials estimate the lake's current volume at approximately 2 million cubic meters, with projections indicating an additional 3 million cubic meters of water could flow into it over the next three days. This influx significantly elevates the risk of the lake overflowing its banks.

The newly formed lake is situated near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal. Chinese authorities are closely monitoring the situation, conducting flood simulations to assess the consequences of a breach and preparing for potential emergency rescue operations. The Chotchen and Purupe rivers originate in Tibet, merging before entering Nepal where the river is known as the Bhotekoshi, a major tributary of the Trishuli river.

This warning comes just a day after a devastating flood surged through areas along the Nepal-China border, resulting in fatalities, widespread infrastructure damage, and hundreds of people missing. The recent flood struck the Bhotekoshi river in Nepal's Rasuwa district, destroying roads, bridges, and buildings before flowing downstream. Rescue teams in Nepal are actively searching for the missing, recovering bodies, and have restricted movement along key highways while relocating residents from vulnerable areas.

The emergence of the barrier lake introduces a critical new layer of danger to the already complex rescue and recovery efforts. A breach could unleash a sudden, powerful surge of water, threatening communities and infrastructure situated along the river system. Chinese authorities have pledged to continue their monitoring and analysis, while simultaneously preparing for possible emergency response and flood control measures.

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China’s Ministry of Water Resources estimated the lake’s volume at about 2 million cubic metres as of Thursday morning. Another 3 million cubic metres of water is expected to enter the lake over the next three days, creating a high risk of a breach, China Central Television reported, according to the Global Times.