China Warns of High Risk of Lake Breach Following Recent Floods

China has issued a warning regarding a "high risk" that a lake formed after a recent landslide near the Nepal-Tibet border may breach its banks, potentially causing a second flood downstream. This warning follows a deadly flash flood in the same area, which scientists attribute to the collapse of a mountain glacier into a river. As of Friday morning, state broadcaster CCTV reported that approximately 2.5 million cubic meters of water had accumulated in the barrier lake, which is created when debris obstructs a river. Officials anticipate that an additional three million cubic meters of water could flow into the lake from Thursday through the weekend, increasing the risk of a breach. The barrier lake, located at the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, has already begun to overflow, according to China's Ministry of Water Resources, amid ongoing heavy rainfall in the region. Engineering teams have been deployed to monitor the lake's water levels and atmospheric conditions. A report indicated that many Chinese emergency services personnel were stranded about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Gyirong Port, the main land crossing between Nepal and China, due to the lake's continuous overflow, which poses risks of additional floods or debris flows. Consequently, search and rescue operations near the Nepal-Tibet border have been suspended. Additionally, Nepali authorities have warned of potential blockages that could lead to further flooding along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, advising residents to avoid these areas until further notice. Scientists have suggested that the flash flood on Wednesday was likely caused by a glacier collapse near Langtang Lirung, resulting in a significant surge of water and debris downstream. The floods have resulted in several hundred fatalities in Nepal, with many individuals still unaccounted for. In Tibet, more than 550 people are reported missing, nearly half of whom are foreigners.