Nepal flood death toll tops 500 as China warns barrier lake could breach
Nepal's disaster authority put the death toll from this week's flash floods above 500, with more than 1,500 people still missing across the Nepal-China border region. Chinese officials warned a newly formed barrier lake upstream holds a high risk of breaching and sending another surge downstream.
KATHMANDU - The death toll from flash floods along the Nepal-China border climbed past 500 on Friday as Chinese authorities warned a barrier lake formed by landslide debris could breach and send another surge downstream.
Nepal's disaster management authority reported more than 538 deaths and more than 3,700 people rescued, the Associated Press and New York Post reported. Nepali police later put the death count higher, near 547. More than 1,500 people remained missing across the disaster zone, with limited information from the Chinese side.
Scientists say Wednesday's flood followed the collapse of mountain glacier ice into a river system near the Langtang Lirung peak. Debris then dammed water upstream, creating a barrier lake at the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, several kilometers above Gyirong Port, the main land crossing between Nepal and China.
China's Ministry of Water Resources said about 2.5 million cubic meters of water had already pooled by Friday, with another 3 million cubic meters expected to flow in through the weekend, creating a high risk of breach. A Chinese military drone recorded an avalanche dumping roughly 50,000 cubic meters of ice into the lake Friday morning, CCTV reported. Authorities suspended some rescue work and prepared evacuations while the lake overflowed.
BBC reported that some experts still think the lake could drain naturally over time. Even so, officials treated the overflow as a live threat to villages and crews working near the destroyed border port. Families from more than 30 countries have reported missing relatives, adding pressure for clearer casualty lists as search teams wait on weather and water levels.
Survivors returning to damaged villages described little warning when the first surge hit at dawn. Rescue teams have pulled people from mud and collapsed buildings while also watching the upstream water gauge. The dual task (search plus second-flood readiness) is slowing full recovery along the crossing.
Go Deeper
How many people have died?
Nepal's disaster authority reported more than 500 deaths, with police later citing figures near 547. More than 1,500 people remained missing.
What is a barrier lake?
A temporary lake formed when landslide or glacier debris dams a river. If the dam fails, water can surge downstream in a second flood.
Where is the new lake?
Upstream near Langtang Lirung, at the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo confluence, several kilometers above Gyirong Port.
What did China warn?
Officials said the lake already held about 2.5 million cubic meters of water and faced a high risk of breaching as more water and ice arrived.
Why were rescues paused?
Overflow and avalanche debris into the lake forced Chinese emergency teams to hold back near a village about 4 miles from the port.
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