Tibet Floods China Races to Prevent Barrier Lake Burst Near Nepal Border

Tibet floods have raised fresh concerns as China works to prevent a newly formed barrier lake from bursting near a key border crossing with Nepal.

Authorities have deployed an eight-member engineering team to assess the lake and calculate ways to reduce the risk of a sudden breach. The team is conducting aerial surveys and 3D modelling, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Engineer Chen Hanxiao said difficult terrain has complicated access to the site. The glacier collapse created steep and isolated cliffs around the lake, making operations more challenging.

Engineers are considering digging a drainage channel through a lower section of the natural dam. However, they must first calculate the required width and depth based on the expected water flow and the lake’s filling rate.

Survey data showed that the lake measures about 150 metres in length and is between 40 and 50 metres deep. It currently holds an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million cubic metres of water.

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The engineering team will continue monitoring the lake and collect data from its floor. Officials will also closely track weather conditions in the coming days.

Light to moderate rain has already affected the Gyirong border port area. The rainfall has weakened soil and rocks around the unstable zone upstream. Forecasters expect the rain to continue throughout the coming week.

Chinese authorities warned on Thursday that another three million cubic metres of water could enter the lake within three days. They said the additional water could significantly increase the risk of a breach, with peak flow expected around September 1.

Aerial footage released by Chinese state broadcaster CGTN showed brown water filling a basin without an obvious outlet. The water had already covered vegetation and was pressing against a natural barrier of rocks and debris.

Nepal and China both warned of renewed flooding risks on Thursday as barrier lakes formed on both sides of their border.

The region is still recovering from devastating floods that have killed hundreds since Wednesday. Officials said nearly 1,000 people remain missing across the two countries, including up to 540 foreign nationals from 31 countries.