China warns of high risk of lake breach following recent flood

China has issued a warning regarding a "high risk" that a lake formed after a landslide near the Nepal-Tibet border may breach its banks, potentially causing a second flood downstream. This warning follows a deadly flash flood in the same area on Wednesday, which scientists attribute to the collapse of a mountain glacier into a river. As of Friday, approximately 2.5 million cubic meters of water had accumulated in the barrier lake, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. Officials anticipate an additional three million cubic meters of water to flow into the lake between Thursday and the weekend, increasing the risk of breach. The region is also expected to experience heavy rainfall in the coming days. The barrier lake, located at the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, began to overflow on Thursday, according to China's Ministry of Water Resources. Most emergency services had paused operations at a village about 7 kilometers from Gyirong Port, a major land crossing affected by Wednesday's flood, due to concerns that the overflowing lake could lead to further floods or debris flows. However, by Friday afternoon, state media reported that the risk from the upstream barrier lake had been brought under control, allowing rescue operations to resume. Authorities have deployed engineering teams to monitor the lake's water levels and atmospheric conditions, and drones have been utilized to deliver equipment and supplies. Separately, Nepali authorities have cautioned about the risk of blockages causing additional floods along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, advising the public to avoid these areas until further notice. Scientists have indicated that the recent flood was likely caused by a glacier collapse near Langtang Lirung, resulting in a significant surge of water and debris downstream. The flash flood has resulted in several hundred fatalities in Nepal, with many others still missing. On the Tibetan side of the border, over 550 individuals are reported missing, nearly half of whom are foreigners.