China Warns of Glacier Collapse Risk as Tibet-Nepal Death Toll Nears 1,000
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 31
China Warns of Glacier Collapse Risk as Tibet-Nepal Death Toll Nears 1,000
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 31
Summary
China's water ministry warned of a "major risk" of glacier collapse along Nepal's Cuojian River, with the threat extending into Tibet via the Purepuqiang River.
Downstream in Tibet, officials also flagged a risk that fresh landslides could create another barrier lake, adding to dangers as rescuers struggle to reach the Gyirong Port border crossing.
903 deaths and 4,247 missing were reported in Nepal on Monday, while Chinese authorities said 16 people were dead and 546 missing on their side of the border.
Bad weather forecast in the coming days threatens to slow rescue operations further, even as the cross-border disaster's confirmed death toll approaches 1,000.