China has warned of a high risk that a major barrier lake near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal could breach, as rescue operations intensified following a devastating mudslide along the China-Nepal border.
China's Ministry of Water Resources said the barrier lake had accumulated an estimated 2 million cubic metres of water by Thursday morning and was already overflowing.
Another 3 million cubic metres of water could flow into the lake over the next three days, significantly raising the risk of a breach, China Central Television reported.
Chinese authorities are closely monitoring the situation, conducting flood simulations and assessing various breach scenarios to prepare for a possible emergency and aid ongoing rescue operations.
The death toll from the flash floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district, which borders Tibet, has risen to 392, while nearly 1,500 people remain missing. Three more people were killed in neighbouring Tibet.
At least 288 Indians are still missing, while around 200 others remain stranded on the Chinese side following the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi remains in constant contact with authorities in both Nepal and China to coordinate rescue and relief efforts for those affected.: Tragedy in Nepal: How do flash floods happen?