- The threat of a lake formed after a glacier collapse bursting near the China-Nepal border has decreased, as its size appears to have shrunk.
- Satellite images from Thursday to Saturday morning show the lake's water slowly flowing through, decreasing the reservoir gradually, according to CCTV citing the Water Resources Ministry.
- The lake's surface area at Purepu Tsangpo river was 99,000 sqm on early Saturday, having shrunk by 21,000 sqm compared with Thursday.
- China Anneng dispatched a 15-member team on Friday with reconnaissance drones, portable satellite stations, and mobile surveillance cameras to gather more data about the lake.
- Authorities flagged another larger body of water at the bottom of the glacier collapse, estimated to be over 120,000 square meters in area, with unknown depth.
- Flood risks will remain until the two lakes have fully drained, according to an official with Nepal's Disaster Management Authority.
- China's death count from the disaster rose to seven early Saturday, with 554 still missing.
- Nearly 500 villagers and construction workers, as well as all 555 tourists from the area, have been evacuated.
The risk of a lake bursting near the China-Nepal border has diminished as satellite images indicate a decrease in water levels. Chinese authorities reported that the lake, formed after a glacier collapse, has shrunk to 99,000 square meters, down from 120,000 square meters earlier this week.256
The Water Resources Ministry noted that the lake's surface area has decreased by 21,000 square meters since Thursday, suggesting that water is gradually flowing through. State-owned engineering firm China Anneng has been monitoring the situation with a 15-member team equipped with drones and surveillance technology.
Despite the positive signs, flood risks remain until both lakes fully drain, according to an official from Nepal's Disaster Management Authority. The recent disaster has resulted in seven confirmed deaths and 554 individuals still missing, prompting the evacuation of nearly 500 villagers and construction workers, along with 555 tourists from the area.89
Authorities are also monitoring another larger body of water at the glacier collapse site, which is estimated to be over 120,000 square meters in area, although its depth remains unknown. The situation continues to be closely watched as the potential for further flooding persists.
“The lake's surface area at Purepu Tsangpo river shrank to 99,000 sqm by Saturday, down 21,000 sqm from Thursday, according to CCTV. China's death toll rose to seven with 554 missing, while nearly 500 villagers and workers and all 555 tourists have been evacuated.”
