Barrier lake near Nepal border could breach in 3 days, China warns as hundreds dead in flash floods

A barrier lake formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal could face a high risk of breaching over the next three days, Global Times reported citing Chinese authorities on Thursday. This comes as hundreds died and thousands remain missing after catastrophic flash floods in the China-Nepal border region.China’s ministry of water resources said the lake had accumulated around 2 million cubic metres of water by Thursday morning and was already overflowing.Another 3 million cubic metres of water is expected to enter the lake over the next three days, raising the risk of a breach, state broadcaster CCTV reported.The ministry said it was closely monitoring the lake and carrying out flood simulations and risk assessments to prepare for a possible breach and support emergency rescue operations.A glacier collapse in Tibet triggered devastating flash floods and mudslides along the China-Nepal border. Authorities in the two countries have reported at least 273 deaths and more than 1,300 people missing, though figures vary between agencies because of differences in data collection, verification and coordination.In Nepal, police reported at least 270 deaths and 826 people missing. The National Tourism Board later said 517 foreigners were among those missing, including tourists and pilgrims in the region.India accounts for the largest number of missing foreign nationals, with 288 people reported missing, most of whom were believed to have been travelling towards Mount Kailash, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. The United States reported 65 missing, while Malaysia had 51, Ukraine 53, Australia 35 and Britain 33.In China, state media reported three deaths and 558 people missing in Gyirong County in Tibet, including 260 foreign nationals. China’s foreign ministry also said nearly 100 Chinese citizens were missing on the Nepalese side.Chinese authorities have deployed emergency responders, People's Liberation Army personnel, engineering teams, telecom operators and relief organisations to the affected areas. Rescue teams are facing difficult terrain, continued rainfall and the threat of further secondary disasters.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.