Beijing – In response to growing fears of a flood disaster at the Gyirong border crossing that links Tibet with Nepal, China has launched an emergency engineering effort to reduce the risk posed by a newly formed barrier lake. The lake, created after a glacier collapse, now threatens to burst and unleash up to 3 million cubic metres of water – roughly the volume of 1,200 Olympic swimming pools – into the already devastated region.

Engineering team conducts aerial surveys and 3D modelling

An eight‑member team of engineers, led by specialist Chen Hanxiao, began aerial surveys and three‑dimensional modelling of the lake on Friday, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Chen described the site as difficult to access, with steep, isolated cliffs surrounding the water body.

“After the glacier collapse created the lake, many isolated cliffs and steep cliffs appeared along it,” Chen told CCTV. The team’s initial data show the lake is about 150 metres long and 40‑50 metres deep, holding roughly 1.5‑2 million cubic metres of water.

Planned drainage channel and ongoing monitoring

Chinese officials plan to excavate a drainage channel at a lower point of the natural dam to lower the water level. The exact width and depth of the channel will be calculated based on projected water flow rates and how quickly the lake refills.

Beyond the excavation, the engineers will continue to monitor the lake’s water level, collect data from the lake floor, and track weather conditions. Light to moderate rainfall in the Gyirong border area has already loosened soil and rock, increasing the risk of a breach. Forecasts call for continued rain over the coming week.

Human toll and international concern

The flooding that began on Wednesday has already claimed hundreds of lives on both sides of the border. Nearly 1,000 people remain missing, including up to 540 foreign nationals from 31 countries, according to officials.

Both Chinese and Nepalese authorities warned Thursday that the barrier lake could burst, potentially compounding the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Looking ahead

China expects the lake to receive an additional 3 million cubic metres of water over the next three days, with peak inflow projected around September 1. The rapid response underscores the urgency of preventing another catastrophic flood in an area still reeling from recent disasters.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.