BEIJING: China has issued a fresh alert warning that new glacial lakes are forming in flood-ravaged Nepal and carry a high risk of bursting, potentially triggering another wave of catastrophic flash floods. Ongoing heavy rains in the region have severely disrupted rescue and relief operations, even as the total death toll from the disaster has surged to 626.
Concerns remain high in Nepal, where massive flash floods have already claimed hundreds of lives, over the potential collapse of newly formed glacial lakes. Chinese authorities cautioned that the area surrounding the disaster site still holds several glaciers and glacial lakes that remain unstable. The emergence of two new glacial lakes has heightened fears of further destruction.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the lingering threat of outbursts is posing immense challenges to ongoing disaster management and rescue efforts. Meanwhile, Nepal’s Disaster Management Authority confirmed that rising water levels caused by relentless downpours continue to impede rescue operations. The Chinese government further noted that a barrier lake formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers has already begun overflowing, presenting an imminent risk of a breach.
Heavy rains continuing since yesterday afternoon have caused widespread devastation, with Duwakot suffering the worst damage. The Nepalese government confirmed that nationals from 35 countries are missing from the Duwakot area. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 149 Indian nationals reached China from Nepal, with around 400 Indians currently staying in China, while 320 Indians remain untraceable according to official estimates.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com