Nepal-Tibet Flood: Water Flow Increases Again in Bhote Koshi River

Local residents and experts report that a minor flood has progressed from Syafrubesi in Rasuwa along the Bhote Koshi River towards the Trishuli River. Nepalese officials suggest that this flooding may be due to excess water escaping rather than the breach of a landslide-formed lake. Senior hydrology expert Vinod Parajuli from the Meteorological Department stated that the current flood’s speed is not as rapid as that experienced on Wednesday.

Chinese state media also reported that the lake did not break but rather overflowed as it filled with water. After ice was observed at the site of the Wednesday incident, the Nepal Police issued security alerts due to the potential for renewed flooding. Despite increased glacier-fed floodwaters in the Bhote Koshi River, authorities, including Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, confirmed that there has been no official report of the lake breaking on the Chinese side.

Nevertheless, the threat remains. “The water flow has increased but it is a normal flood. No major flooding has been observed, but we are monitoring the situation,” Mahat said. “Since this could affect ongoing rescue operations in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot areas, we have issued warnings to remain vigilant.” According to Parajuli, the danger is not yet over. “There is a possible accumulation of 2 million cubic meters of water there, which could rise to 3 million cubic meters when full. A recent notification about this has just come,” he added.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that, as of 2 p.m. local time, the amount of water in the dam formed by the river’s blockage in Tibet has decreased slightly and rescue operations are proceeding normally. Chinese rescuers are working to reduce flood risks along the Nepal-Tibet border. Over 500 people remain missing in that Tibetan region.