Death toll from Nepal-Tibet flood exceeds 470 as barrier lake poses risk

Rescue teams have paused operations near the Nepal-China border due to the risk of a barrier lake formed by the flood bursting. The death toll from the flash flood-affected region of Nepal and Tibet has risen to over 470, as rescue efforts continue on both sides of the Himalayan border. The Prime Minister’s office in Nepal reported on Friday that 469 people were confirmed dead with 977 missing. At least three people have died in Tibet, with 558 reported missing, according to Chinese authorities. Nepalese authorities stated that 644 of the missing individuals are foreigners, and approximately 1,550 people have been rescued. The disaster occurred on Wednesday when a glacier collapse sent a surge of ice, water, rock, and mud down Himalayan river valleys, burying entire villages and destroying infrastructure. Bishal Nath Upreti, president of the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management, indicated that the situation is extremely difficult for those stranded, with no roads available for rescue teams. He noted that nearly 42 kilometers (26 miles) of road have been completely wiped out, and rescues are primarily conducted by helicopter. About 800 people have been rescued by helicopter and 700 by land, with aid being airlifted to survivors. Al Jazeera’s Katrina Yu, reporting from Beijing, mentioned that the number of missing persons is expected to rise. China has deployed around 500 military and paramilitary personnel and sent Premier Li Qiang to oversee operations. The urgency of the situation has increased due to fears of secondary flooding impacting the disaster zone. Attention is now focused on a newly-formed barrier lake straddling the Nepal-China border, which both countries have warned is unstable and at risk of bursting. Chinese authorities reported that the lake holds approximately two million cubic meters (70 million cubic feet) of water and is expected to receive an additional three million cubic meters (106 million cubic feet) over the next three days. Rescue and military teams attempting to reach the border port of Gyirong, where buildings are buried under mud one and a half meters deep, have been ordered to pause their work due to mudslide concerns. The foreign ministry in Kathmandu stated on Friday that Nepal does not require international assistance for the search. Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri noted that while offers for help are appreciated, Nepal’s security agencies are managing the search and rescue operations independently. However, they have requested other forms of aid, such as cash disbursements, to assist with the extensive task ahead. Reporting from Kathmandu, Al Jazeera’s Minelle Fernandez observed that crowds have gathered near Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital seeking information about missing loved ones, highlighting the emotional toll of the disaster.