Chinese officials warn a landslide‑formed lake near the Nepal‑Tibet border may breach soon, risking a second flood after deadly flash floods killed 270 people.

Chinese authorities said a landslide‑formed lake near the Nepal‑Tibet border could breach within days, raising the risk of a second flood.

The lake appeared after a massive landslide in the mountainous region earlier this month. Its water level has risen rapidly, and engineers estimate that a breach could release millions of cubic metres of water downstream.

Risk assessment

Officials highlighted that the lake sits in a steep valley that channels water toward populated river basins in both China and Nepal. A sudden outflow would add to the devastation caused by the flash floods that struck the area in late August, which killed at least 270 people and left more than 800 missing.

Potential impact

Hydrologists warn that a breach could trigger flash flooding in valleys that have not yet recovered from the earlier disaster. Villages along the Yarlung Tsangpo and its tributaries could face renewed inundation, landslides and loss of infrastructure.

Response measures

The National Flood Control Office has deployed monitoring teams to track water levels and pressure on the natural dam. Early‑warning systems are being upgraded, and evacuation routes are being rehearsed in nearby towns.

Local authorities have also begun pre‑emptive stockpiling of relief supplies, including food, clean water and medical kits, to shorten response times if an evacuation becomes necessary.

International aid groups are on standby, awaiting a formal request from the governments of China and Nepal. In the meantime, residents have been urged to stay alert, keep emergency kits ready, and follow instructions from local officials.

Experts stress that while the lake’s breach risk is high, coordinated monitoring and rapid evacuation can limit casualties. The situation will be reviewed daily, and further updates are expected as water levels change.