Rescue operations in Nepal and China have been paused due to the risk of a barrier lake bursting following a catastrophic glacial collapse that has left hundreds dead and missing.
Key facts
- •The disaster began Wednesday when a glacial collapse sent ice, mud, and debris through river valleys.
- •The Nepalese prime minister's office reported 469 confirmed deaths and 977 people missing.
- •Chinese authorities reported at least five deaths and 558 people missing in Tibet.
- •The barrier lake's volume increased to over 2.5 million cubic meters by Friday.
- •Rescue teams in both countries were ordered to withdraw one kilometer from the affected area.
Rescue teams in Nepal and China suspended operations on Friday as a barrier lake formed by a massive glacial collapse began to overflow. The disaster, which occurred Wednesday, sent a torrent of ice, rock, and debris through Himalayan river valleys, destroying infrastructure and trapping workers in hydropower tunnels. Authorities in both nations ordered teams to withdraw to higher ground amid fears that the lake could breach and trigger further flooding downstream.
By the numbers
Scale of the Disaster
The glacial collapse triggered a debris flow that traveled nearly 100 kilometers along the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi rivers. The event destroyed buildings, bridges, and multiple hydropower projects, cutting off a vital highway connecting Nepal and China. In the Rasuwa district of Nepal, residents were observed fleeing to higher ground as river levels began to rise. According to the Nepalese prime minister's office, 469 deaths have been confirmed in Nepal, with 977 people reported missing and approximately 1,550 rescued. Across the border in Tibet, Chinese authorities reported at least five deaths and 558 people missing. Al Jazeera reported the combined death toll has surpassed 470.
Barrier Lake Threat
The barrier lake was created when landslides and debris blocked a river, forming a natural dam. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the lake's volume reached more than 2.5 million cubic meters by Friday, an increase from the 1.5 to 2 million cubic meters recorded the previous day. China has deployed engineering teams to conduct aerial surveys and 3D modeling of the site. Nepalese officials in Rasuwa district received warnings that the lake had begun breaking its banks. While rescue operations were paused, the Nepal Army continued efforts to reach more than 100 people trapped in a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli hydropower project, though rescuers faced challenges locating entrances.
Timeline
- WednesdayA glacial collapse triggered a massive debris flow through river valleys.
- ThursdayThe barrier lake's volume was estimated at 1.5 to 2 million cubic metres.
- FridayRescue operations were paused as the barrier lake began to overflow.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews, Al Jazeera.
