Even as rescue teams worked through mud and debris on Friday in areas devastated by a catastrophic flash flood along the Himalayan border between Nepal and China, officials warned that a newly formed and overflowing lake could trigger further flash floods.
According to local officials, the lake formed due to heavy rainfall and landslides, which blocked the natural flow of a small river in the region. Rising water levels in the lake heighten the risk of a breach, potentially unleashing another flash flood on already severely damaged downstream areas.
Rescue teams are facing extremely difficult conditions, as mud and boulders cover the affected areas, hampering access to the scene. Many villages are completely isolated, forcing authorities to use helicopters for supply delivery and evacuations.
The Nepalese government has urged residents near the newly formed lake to evacuate immediately to safer ground, while also setting up water level monitoring stations to respond promptly if a dangerous situation arises.
