China Warns of Barrier Lake Threat While Nepal Battles Floods

KATHMANDU – As Nepal grapples with a catastrophic flood that has claimed 359 lives, Chinese officials have raised alarms over a separate danger looming in the country’s western highlands. State‑run Chinese television reported that a massive barrier lake, formed by landslide debris near the confluence of the Chochin Khola and Purep Tsangpo rivers, is rapidly expanding.

Measurements taken on Thursday indicated the lake’s water volume at roughly 2 million cubic metres. Experts project that an additional 3 million cubic metres could flow into the basin over the next three days, dramatically increasing the probability of a breach. Chinese disaster‑management teams are monitoring the situation closely, employing flood‑simulation models to predict the impact of a potential outburst.

The warning comes as Nepal’s own authorities continue rescue operations, having retrieved 359 bodies and rescued dozens of survivors. India has sent two relief flights with essential supplies, and Ram Madhav, the BJP’s national vice‑president, publicly affirmed India’s commitment to stand with Nepal through “every difficult moment.”

In addition, the Nepali foreign ministry confirmed that 21 Indian nationals, all Tamil Nadu tourists en route to Kailash Mansarovar, have been safely recovered. The combined humanitarian and geological challenges underline the fragile state of Nepal’s environment and the need for coordinated regional assistance.