KATHMANDU: Residents living downstream of the Bhotekoshi River have been urged to remain on high alert amid the increased risk of another major flood in the river.
The Flood Forecasting Division issued a special alert on Thursday afternoon, saying information received from China through Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that two rivers near the source of the Bhotekoshi have been blocked, forming a lake.
According to satellite imagery and preliminary analysis, a river was blocked and a lake formed at the site where the major flood occurred on Wednesday. The lake is continuing to grow, the division said.
Authorities have warned of the possibility of a sudden flood in the Bhotekoshi River if the natural dam holding back the water breaks.
The division has urged residents in downstream areas, travellers, rescuers and others in the vicinity to remain particularly vigilant until a further notice is issued.
People have also been advised to move away from riverbanks and other potentially dangerous areas and stay in safer locations in view of the possible risk.
Earlier, China’s Ministry of Water Resources reported the formation of a large barrier lake near the confluence of the Chochhen River and Purepu Tsangpo rivers.
According to Chinese media, around 2 million cubic metres of water had accumulated in the lake by Thursday morning.
Although water has started flowing out of the lake, an additional 3 million cubic metres of water is estimated to enter the lake over the next three days, raising concerns that the natural dam could breach.
The Purepu Tsangpo River flows through Tibet and is an important upstream source of the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system. It enters Nepal through Rasuwa, where it is known as the Bhotekoshi River.
The Chochhen River flows along the Nepal-China border and is another important upper tributary of the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system. A massive landslide in the China-Nepal border area on Wednesday blocked the river and contributed to the formation of the natural lake.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have urged people in potentially affected areas to take necessary precautions.
Comment