Rescue operation in Nepal halted after lake bursts in Tibet; death toll stands at 475
PTC News Desk: The search for survivors after Nepal’s devastating flash floods has faced a fresh setback as a newly formed lake near the Nepal-Tibet border has started overflowing, raising fears of another dangerous flood surge.
At least 475 people have died, while nearly 1,500 remain missing on the Nepal and Tibet sides of the border. The floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the border on Wednesday.
A huge wave of water, mud and debris swept through central Nepal, destroying homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and burying entire settlements.
On Friday, Nepal Police warned that a water barrier had broken on the Tibetan side. Chinese state media later confirmed that water had begun overflowing from the newly formed barrier lake, increasing the risk of further flooding around the already devastated border area.
Rescue operations suspended
The threat from the lake has forced authorities to temporarily suspend rescue operations in the affected area.
Chinese authorities said the barrier lake was created by debris from the glacier collapse and is located around 10 km from Gyirong Port. It reportedly holds more than 2 million cubic metres of water.
Concerned that the lake could burst, Chinese rescue workers and vehicles were moved to a safer location.
Meanwhile, the Nepalese government has issued a fresh warning for areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers after water levels increased.
Rescue and relief teams, as well as people living in vulnerable areas, have been advised to move to safer locations immediately if the situation deteriorates.
- PTC NEWS
