Beijing, China – The risk of a lake bursting near the China-Nepal border, following a devastating glacier collapse that triggered massive floods earlier this week, has eased, Chinese authorities said on Saturday. Satellite images from Thursday to Saturday morning showed that water in the lake, which straddles the border at the confluence of two rivers, has been slowly flowing out and gradually shrinking. By Saturday afternoon, parts of the lake bed had become visible, with the lake’s area reducing by 21,000 square metres since Thursday.
The glacier collapse on Wednesday sent a torrent of rock, ice, mud, and debris through Himalayan river systems, sweeping away a border port complex and killing hundreds, with thousands still missing. Experts and authorities had warned of an extremely high risk of secondary disasters from the lake formed by glacier debris, which could threaten rescue operations downstream. However, with water draining naturally, search and rescue operations can continue safely if outflows remain low. Authorities have also flagged another, larger body of water at the foot of the collapse, but its depth is currently unknown.
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In bleak, rainy conditions on Saturday, more than 50 rescue workers combed through rubble, looking for signs of life. China’s death toll rose to seven, with 554 people still missing. Nearly 500 villagers and construction workers, along with 555 tourists, have been evacuated. The cause of the collapse remains unclear, though climate experts say global warming could be a factor. The lack of data on the mechanisms causing such landslides highlights the need for greater investment in science and societal preparedness for similar events in the future.
