China Warns of Border Barrier Lake Flood
- China's embassy in Kathmandu warns a landslide-dammed lake on the Nepal-China border is overflowing and poses a breach risk, calling the situation critical.
- Earlier reports that the lake near the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo confluence had already breached remain unconfirmed by official Chinese sources.
- Downstream communities in both Nepal and China have been urged to monitor river levels and prepare for emergencies, as authorities on both sides assess the threat.
A landslide-dammed lake on the Nepal-China border remains at a critical stage and has begun to overflow, China's embassy in Kathmandu has warned, urging downstream communities to prepare for possible emergencies as authorities in both countries continue to monitor the situation.
Ice-rock avalanche blocks river
An ice-rock avalanche struck a tributary on the Nepali side of the upper reaches of the boundary river between the two countries, blocking the watercourse and forming what officials have described as a landslide-dammed lake. The lake is currently at a high water level, and according to the embassy, has started to overflow. The risk of a breach has not been ruled out.
"The situation is currently at a critical stage for rescue and emergency response in both Nepal and China," an embassy spokesperson said in a statement. Downstream communities were urged to monitor changes in river levels, remain highly vigilant, and make ready for possible emergencies. Relevant authorities in both countries are continuing to assess and manage the risks.
Earlier breach reports unconfirmed
Earlier reporting indicated that a large barrier lake near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers had reportedly already breached, though the embassy statement did not confirm this. The embassy did not provide details on the size of the lake or the volume of water it holds, nor did it indicate when a breach might occur, leaving the precise extent of the threat uncertain.
Nepal already battling severe flooding
The warning comes as Nepal is dealing with severe flooding and landslides across several districts, including Rasuwa, compounding the humanitarian pressure on communities along vulnerable river corridors. The embassy separately cautioned the public against spreading unverified reports, warning that misinformation could cause unnecessary panic.
With the lake overflowing and a breach still considered possible, the critical question of when — and whether — the dam will give way remains unresolved, leaving authorities and residents downstream in a prolonged state of heightened alert.
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