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Chinese state media has reported that another landslide in Tibet created a natural dam and formed a new lake several days ago.
Such lakes can form when landslides block the flow of a stream or river, causing water to accumulate behind the debris.
The new lake formed in Kerung, Tibet, which is connected to Nepal’s Rasuwa district, following devastating flash floods on Wednesday. There had been concerns that the lake could burst and trigger another major flood downstream.
However, reports say the lake has now filled up and is gradually draining on its own.
According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, a surveillance drone detected a landslide in the Phrukpu Qiang Zhangbu River, about 2.8 kilometres downstream from the lake formed on Wednesday.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has instructed experts to assess the situation quickly. Rescue workers at the Kerung port have meanwhile been moved to a safe location, CCTV reported.
The lake overflowed on Friday after being filled by snow and ice falling from the mountains. Water levels subsequently increased in Nepal’s downstream Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
Chinese experts have continued to monitor the lake’s water level. Authorities have also prepared to issue warnings if the lake shows signs of overflowing.