Next 72 Hours Critical as 5 Million Cubic Metres of Water Could Surge Downstream

BEIJING: Nepal is facing the threat of another major disaster as the country continues to recover from devastating floods triggered by landslides and flooding in the Himalayan region. China has issued a fresh warning over a massive barrier lake, being referred to as a “Death Lake,” that has formed near the confluence of two rivers in the Himalayas. Authorities fear that if the natural barrier collapses, millions of cubic metres of water could rush downstream, potentially causing another destructive flash flood.

According to the information provided, the lake has formed near the confluence of the Chochena Khola and Purepu Sangpo rivers, around 18 kilometres upstream from the Rasuwagadhi border point. The river channel was reportedly blocked by debris, ice, mud and huge rocks following a landslide, creating a natural dam and causing water to accumulate rapidly behind it.

By Thursday morning, around 2 million cubic metres of water had reportedly collected in the lake, with another 3 million cubic metres potentially entering within the next 72 hours. If the natural barrier fails, nearly 5 million cubic metres of water could surge downstream, raising fears of another devastating flood.

FIRST DISASTER NOT OVER, NEW THREAT LOOMS

The latest warning comes as Nepal is still struggling to recover from the earlier catastrophe. A massive landslide and possible glacial event triggered severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi river system, sweeping through villages and settlements and damaging roads, bridges and other vital infrastructure. Several areas remain covered with mud, debris and large rocks, while rescue and relief operations continue under extremely difficult conditions.

The possibility of another sudden flood has added to the concerns of authorities and residents already affected by the disaster. People living close to the potential danger zone have reportedly been advised to move to safer locations immediately.

THREAT COULD EXTEND BEYOND NEPAL

The danger may not be limited to Nepal. The Bhotekoshi River is connected to the Trishuli and Narayani river systems, meaning a major surge could potentially affect downstream areas and raise concerns for parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India.

Experts believe that the accumulation of water behind a natural landslide barrier can become extremely dangerous if the structure suddenly fails. A breach could release a powerful wall of water carrying mud, rocks, ice and debris, dramatically increasing the destructive force of the flood.

NEXT 72 HOURS CRITICAL

Authorities are closely monitoring the rapidly forming barrier lake and preparing for possible emergency rescue operations. With Nepal already reeling from the devastating impact of the previous floods, the threat of another sudden deluge has created fresh anxiety across the region.
For Nepal, the next 72 hours could be crucial. A natural barrier holding back millions of cubic metres of water has turned into a ticking threat in the Himalayas.