Death Toll and Missing Persons Rise in Nepal's Major Flood Disaster
As the death toll from the severe floods in Nepal rises, the threat of a potential barrier lake near the Tibet border is heightening concerns in the region.
As a result of the major flash flood disaster effective in Nepal, the number of people who lost their lives has risen to 472, and approximately 1,500 people are reported missing. Authorities are warning of new geological risks along the Tibet border.
Scale of the Disaster and Casualties
Due to the massive flash flood disaster affecting across Nepal, the number of people who lost their lives has reached 472, and approximately one thousand five hundred people have been reported missing.
Situation of Foreign Tourists
Among the missing foreign nationals, Indians constitute the largest group. According to Nepal tourism data, one hundred seventy-eight Indian citizens remain unaccounted for while eleven people have been rescued.
Damage Imaged by Satellites
New satellite imagery revealed that the Rasuwagadhi border crossing on the Tibet-Nepal border was completely destroyed and glacial floodwaters completely swept the valley floor.
Aerial images show that a new lake has formed and is expanding in the border region, while authorities warn against a potential dam breach.
Warnings Issued by the Chinese Side
Chinese authorities raised the alert status to level four on the Tibet-Nepal border and announced that the barrier lake formed by Wednesday's landslide carries high risk.
The Chinese Ministry of Water Resources declared an emergency in the Tibet Autonomous Region against the threat of a barrier lake formed at the confluence of rivers.
Water Levels and Rainfall Danger
The Beijing administration announced that as of Thursday morning, approximately two million cubic meters of water had accumulated in the lake, and this amount could reach three million cubic meters with ongoing rainfall.
Approach to International Aid
It was stated that the Nepalese government rejected requests from various countries offering to send search and rescue teams, stating that operations could be conducted by local security forces.
The Nepalese administration indicated that regarding foreign aid, instead of direct search teams, it is seeking financial contributions through a mechanism managed from a single source.