The Nepal flood crisis has taken a dangerous turn. The death toll has climbed to 587, while 1,468 people remain missing on the Nepal and Tibet sides of the border. A newly formed lake near the Nepal-Tibet border has started overflowing. As a result, authorities fear another major surge of water could hit already devastated areas.
The disaster began after an ice-rock avalanche linked to a glacial collapse near the border. Huge volumes of water, mud and debris rushed downstream on Wednesday. The flash floods swept away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges. Several settlements also remain buried under thick layers of mud.
The overflowing lake is located around 10 kilometres from Gyirong port and holds more than 2 million cubic metres of water. Chinese authorities temporarily suspended rescue operations after the lake began overflowing. However, officials later said the situation was manageable and rescue work resumed.
Meanwhile, Nepal has issued fresh warnings for areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. Authorities have asked residents, rescue workers and people in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations if water levels rise further.
Rescue Efforts Face Major Challenges
Rescue teams continue to face serious difficulties. Floodwaters have destroyed roads and bridges, making several remote areas hard to reach. Satellite images have also identified two lakes near the glacial collapse site. Authorities are closely monitoring both water bodies. One has already started overflowing. Officials warn that the flood threat could continue until the lakes drain.
At the Trishuli-I hydropower project, the Nepal Army rescued around 350 workers and staff trapped inside a tunnel. However, more than 100 people are still believed to be trapped there. Nepal has reported 910 missing people, while officials in Tibet have reported another 558 missing. Together, the number stands at 1,468.
India has also stepped up its relief efforts. At least 21 Indian nationals rescued from the disaster have returned to Delhi. Around 320 Indian nationals and 100 people of Indian origin remain out of contact. Nearly 400 Indians stranded on the Chinese side are reportedly safe. India is preparing another relief flight carrying around 12–13 tonnes of essential supplies, including medical kits, portable generators and solar lamps.
The Nepal flood disaster has left entire communities struggling to recover. With another potential surge looming, authorities continue to monitor river levels, unstable terrain and the overflowing lake while rescue teams search for survivors.
