The period of severe flash flood and devastation in Nepal had not yet completely stopped that now another big crisis has spread panic in the border areas. The water level in a temporary barrier lake formed due to natural causes near the Nepal-China border is continuously rising. There is a possibility of this lake breaking due to the huge pressure of water, which may once again cause terrible devastation in the low-lying areas.
In view of this situation, China's Ministry of Water Resources has described the next three days as extremely critical. According to official figures, by Thursday morning, about 20 lakh cubic meters of water had filled the lake and it had started overflowing from the top. It is estimated that in the coming three days, about 30 lakh cubic meters of additional water may come into it, after which the risk of breaking the natural wall of the lake will increase significantly.
Which areas are in danger?
This dangerous barrier lake is located near the confluence of Chochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal. To understand the impact of a potential disaster, Chinese authorities have started assessing the risk through flood simulation models.
On the other hand, Nepal administration has issued strict instructions to the common people living in the coastal areas of Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani River to stay away from the river banks and move to safe places.
Obstruction and vigilance in rescue operation
This new crisis has come to light at a time when the debris and torrential water following the glacier burst has caused huge devastation in the border areas of Nepal and Tibet. Roads have been damaged by the flow of rocks and heavy debris, many major bridges have collapsed and dozens of people are still reported missing.
| Main figures related to lake and flood | status details |
| current water in the lake | 20 lakh cubic meters (by Thursday) |
| potential water in 3 days | 30 lakh cubic meters extra |
| rivers affected | Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, Narayani |
| country issuing alert | China (Ministry of Water Resources) |
After the warning received from China, the teams engaged in relief and rescue work in Nepal have also been immediately alerted. Rescue teams present in the low-lying river areas have been asked to temporarily move towards higher hills, because in the event of the lake breaking, the huge waves of water will have very little time to reach the bottom. The monitoring agencies of both the countries are keeping an eye on the situation from moment to moment.