Nepal-Tibet: New lake could trigger second flood
Part of composite article Nepal-Tibet Floods: 500+ Dead, 1,924 Missing as New Lake Threatens Second Disaster View full article →
Rescuers are warning that a lake formed by a recent landslide on the Nepal-Tibet border could break, causing another flood. The original landslide already triggered a deadly flash flood that swept through the region. Now, a new body of water is trapped behind the debris.
Laura Bicker explains the danger. The lake is growing larger by the hour. If its natural dam gives way, a massive wave of water and mud could rush down the valley. This would threaten villages and rescue teams already working in the area.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. But they face a difficult choice: try to drain the lake safely, or risk a sudden and catastrophic breach. The clock is ticking.