Kathmandu [Nepal], August 26 – A massive flood has swept into Nepal through the Timure border area of Rasuwa, causing a sudden rise in water levels in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers authorities said.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged people living in downstream areas to remain on high alert as the river flow increased sharply.
Binod Parajuli, chief of the Flood Forecasting Section said a large volume of floodwater entered Nepal from Tibet through the Timure border crossing at around 9 am on Wednesday.
Parajuli said the sudden flood was not triggered by rainfall prompting the department to initially suspect that a glacial lake in Tibet may have burst.
“We suspect a glacial lake outburst because the flood came suddenly and was not caused by rainfall,” Parajuli said.
He said the department is coordinating with Chinese authorities to determine the actual cause of the sudden surge in water levels.
Officials are also examining satellite images and using other technical methods to verify whether a glacial lake outburst occurred in Tibet.
The department has called on residents and communities in downstream areas to remain vigilant and follow official warnings as authorities continue to assess the flood risk.
