New Delhi. Amidst the devastation caused by severe floods in Nepal, a warning of another big danger has emerged. According to the Ministry of Water Resources of China, a large lake with about 2 million cubic meters of water has formed near the confluence of the Chochen Khola and Purephu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal. The lake has already started overflowing and about 30 lakh cubic meters more water is expected to enter it in the next three days.
How big is the danger of the new lake breaking?
China's Water Resources Ministry has described the possibility of the lake's natural dam breaking as serious. According to the warning, the next 72 hours are very important. Continuously rising water can increase the pressure on the natural dam. If this dam breaks, the accumulated water may suddenly flow downstream and the situation may worsen in areas already facing floods.
What is China doing to deal with the threat?
Chinese officials are continuously monitoring the situation. Computer-based flood models are being run to predict potential flood paths in real time. Its purpose is to provide timely information to rescue teams and reduce the risk of any new flooding downstream. Difficult mountainous terrain and continuous rain are making rescue operations more difficult.
Could the risk of another flood increase further?
The situation is serious because about 30 lakh cubic meters of additional water is expected to come into the new lake in the next three days. If water pressure increases and the natural dam breaks, a sudden strong current can reach the downstream areas. In such a situation, the danger to already affected settlements and people living on the river banks may increase. The next 72 hours are very important for the officials in terms of surveillance and rescue.
How big a disaster has already taken place in Nepal?
Nepal is struggling with the severe floods that occurred on Wednesday. The death toll after the floods around Bhote Koshi river is said to have reached 270. Nepal Army, Armed Police Forces and Nepal Police personnel are engaged in search and rescue operations. Information has been given that 121 bodies have been recovered from Narayani river alone.
How many people are still reported missing?
Hundreds of people are still missing in the affected Himalayan districts. More than 600 foreign citizens and pilgrims are also said to be included in these. The impact of this disaster has reached the Nepal-China border. In the Tibet region of China, information has come to light that three people have died, two people have been rescued and 558 people are missing.