China Alerts Nepal as Barrier Lake Grows After Mudslide

China has informed the Nepal government that a barrier lake formed after a mudslide in Rasuwa is continuing to grow and could pose a risk of breaching, according to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

A breach could release large amounts of water, rocks, mud and debris downstream, potentially triggering sudden flooding in lower-lying areas.

Authorities have urged residents, travelers and rescue workers along the lower Bhote Koshi River to move to safer locations and avoid riverbanks until further notice.

Water levels in the Bhote Koshi have risen since Wednesday night, although flows in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers remain below warning levels.

Weather officials have also warned of possible moderate rainfall in flood-affected areas of Rasuwa, raising concerns over further flooding.

Aerial footage from China’s National Television Broadcaster shows the mudslide site and the barrier lake formed after the landslide as authorities closely monitor the situation.