Fresh Flood Threat Looms in Nepal as Rising Lake Near China Border Could Trigger Another Bhotekoshi Deluge
Kathmandu, 27th August 2026: Nepal is facing the threat of another major flood after a landslide blocked the Lhende River near the Nepal-China border, creating a rapidly rising lake that could burst and send a fresh surge of water into the Bhotekoshi River system.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged people living along the lower reaches of the Bhotekoshi River, as well as rescuers and travellers, to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer areas. The warning comes a day after devastating flash floods swept through Rasuwa and neighbouring areas.
According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the river blockage is located about 18 km upstream of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing. Satellite analysis showed that a lake measuring around 0.11 square kilometres has formed behind the natural obstruction. Authorities have warned that a breach could trigger another major flood downstream.
China has also warned of the danger. Reports based on Chinese official sources said the newly formed lake had accumulated around 2 million cubic metres of water and was already overflowing, with the volume potentially increasing further in the coming days.
Death toll rises as rescue operations continue
The devastating floods and landslides have killed at least 359 people in Nepal, according to the latest figures reported by Nepal’s disaster management authorities, while 910 people remain missing or out of contact. Three additional deaths have been reported in Tibet.
More than 13,000 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations. Helicopters are being used to evacuate people from areas where roads and bridges have been destroyed or blocked by debris.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other districts, damaging homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.
290 Indians remain uncontactable
India has intensified efforts to trace its citizens affected by the disaster. The Ministry of External Affairs said 290 Indian nationals remain uncontactable, while 84 Indians have been rescued so far. The rescued group includes 63 workers associated with the Trishuli-1 hydropower project and 21 people from Tamil Nadu.
India has also dispatched more than 47 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including medicines, food packets and other emergency supplies. A second consignment containing 37.5 tonnes of relief material was sent to Nepal on Thursday.
The MEA has established a 24-hour control room, while Indian missions in Kathmandu and Beijing are coordinating with local authorities to trace and assist affected Indian nationals.
Landslide initially mistaken for earthquake
The disaster was initially linked to seismic activity after strong tremors were felt near the Nepal-China border on Wednesday morning. However, subsequent analysis indicated that the shaking was caused by a massive landslide in which ice, rocks and debris fell into the Lhende River.
The Lhende is a tributary of the Bhotekoshi, which originates in the Tibet region and flows into Nepal. The sudden obstruction and subsequent release of water contributed to the devastating flash flood.
The event has drawn comparisons with other Himalayan disasters in which glacial or landslide-related natural dams have suddenly released large volumes of water.
Rescue operations face difficult terrain
The rescue effort remains challenging because large quantities of mud and debris have blocked roads and isolated several settlements. Nepal has deployed helicopters to evacuate stranded residents and deliver relief supplies.
Chinese rescue teams have also been deployed on the Tibet side, where the Gyirong area and the border infrastructure were severely affected by flooding and landslides. The disaster has disrupted an important trade route between China and Nepal.
Authorities are now closely monitoring the newly formed lake upstream of Rasuwagadhi. With the water level continuing to rise, officials have warned residents downstream to remain alert and avoid riverbanks until further instructions are issued.
The immediate priority remains locating missing people and providing relief, while authorities prepare for the possibility of another sudden flood if the natural barrier holding back the lake fails.
