No Immediate Risk of Major Flooding, but Vigilance Urged
Photo credit, EPA/Shutterstock
Officials from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, after analyzing information and images received from the Chinese authorities, have stated that there is no immediate risk of a major flood.
China has allowed aerial inspection of the landslide-prone area on the Nepalese side, enabling the department to receive regular updates from the Chinese side.
Among the two lakes near the landslide site recorded last Wednesday, one lake began draining from Sunday, and the other is not in a state of imminent breach, officials reported.
‘Water Only on the Mound in the First Lake’
“The lake that started draining on Sunday currently has water only on the mound and is not at risk of bursting. The second lake remains unchanged, and we have received no new information as of last night,” said Vinod Parajuli, Senior Meteorologist at the Flood Forecasting Division.
He added that the second lake is surrounded by rocks on all sides with a thick moraine (rock and ice accumulation) at the outlet, reducing the risk of a breach.
However, he cautioned that exact conditions cannot be confirmed without onsite inspection.
Photo credit, EPA/Shutterstock
Currently, riverside areas and settlements in the affected area have been destroyed, and residents are advised not to return.
“Particularly for those performing rescue operations inside tunnels, any safety concerns must be reported immediately. While rescue efforts may continue during daylight, we have requested that they halt at night,” officials added.
Dr. Tek Bahadur Kshetri, Head of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology at Tribhuvan University, also confirmed that initial studies indicate no threat of a major flood.
“Analysis of satellite images shows no further significant risk in the main flood area,” he explained.
He further noted that the university plans to expand its research on such disasters in the coming days.
Why Rely on Chinese Sources?
Officials explained that due to the location of the affected area, they must depend on information from the Chinese side.
Information is received two to three times daily, with regular updates on the condition of the breached lake.
Images published by Chinese government media are also reviewed.
These updates are obtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and shared among experts via a WeChat group.
Despite the area lying on the Nepal-China border, inspection access from China has been granted for on-site monitoring.
“Reaching there requires crossing mountains, and even helicopter access cannot avoid Chinese territory,” the officials added.
Possibility of Scattered Heavy Rainfall?
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Saturday morning report, flows in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers remain below alert levels but warrant close attention.
An orange alert has been issued for the Bhote Koshi river from Monday through Wednesday, advising caution for possible flooding caused by normal rainfall.
Due to the challenging conditions, even moderate flows could carry significant sediment, necessitating vigilance.
“Currently, the chance of heavy or prolonged rain appears low,” the officials stated.
Dr. Kshetri noted that cloud formations suggest a low likelihood of immediate heavy rainfall.
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