Nepal-China Border Landslide Lake Overflows, Rescue Operations Temporarily Suspended
Geopolitics Impact 4
A lake formed by a landslide blocking a river along the Nepal-China border began overflowing its banks today, putting downstream areas—already hit by flash floods two days ago—at risk of a second disaster. Authorities on both sides have temporarily suspended search and rescue operations. The confirmed death toll in Nepal has risen to 469, with nearly 1,000 people missing across Nepal and China, including at least 540 foreigners. China's state broadcaster CCTV reported that the risk of the natural dam collapsing has forced all Chinese rescue personnel and vehicles to withdraw to safe locations. A Nepalese army officer also confirmed that search operations have been suspended for at least 90 minutes for safety. The disaster was triggered by a glacial lake outburst on Wednesday, sending a massive flow of rock, ice, mud, and debris into the Himalayan river system, destroying villages, valleys, power plants, roads, and bridges along the route connecting Nepal's capital Kathmandu with Lhasa in Tibet—a popular route for trekkers and pilgrims. The debris has formed a natural dam, threatening downstream communities. Data from a team of eight Chinese engineers who conducted aerial surveys and created 3D models indicates that the water volume in the landslide lake has surged past 2.5 million cubic meters today, up from an estimated 1.5 to 2.0 million cubic meters on Thursday. Narendra Pariyar, a senior official in Nepal's Rasuwa district, said authorities have been alerted that the lake is overflowing and that river levels are rising steadily, though the exact height is not yet known. Before the suspension order, Nepalese rescue teams had used helicopters to search for survivors and deliver emergency supplies to thousands of people cut off in towns and valleys, and had used sniffer dogs to recover dozens of bodies in flat areas. Despite international offers of help, the Nepalese government said it does not currently need foreign search and rescue teams. Bharat Bahadur K.C., a spokesperson for Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained, "Offers of help are normal, but our security forces are carrying out search and rescue operations at full capacity. At this point, we do not need to accept such assistance." On the Chinese side, state media reported that rescue teams had not been able to reach the Gyirong border crossing, the hardest-hit area, until Thursday evening, as they had to clear main roads blocked by landslides. Footage showed mudflows destroying buildings at the border post in an instant and engulfing people as they fled. CCTV reported 558 missing in Gyirong County, Tibet, including 260 foreigners, and three confirmed deaths. Xinhua reported that Chinese Premier Li Qiang personally visited the disaster area, signaling that Beijing has elevated the response to a top national priority.
