Search efforts for missing persons following a massive landslide in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China have been temporarily halted due to fears of a natural dam collapse upstream. The lake formed by the dam continues to swell, increasing the risk of further flooding or landslides.
China Central Television (CCTV) reported on August 28 that the lake, created by landslides and glacier collapses blocking rivers upstream in the Jirong Customs area, has been overflowing continuously, prompting rescue teams to suspend their operations.
CNN also cited the state media, noting that the lake's water level has been rising for the past 48 hours and is currently overflowing. As a result, authorities determined that rescue teams approaching the heavily affected Jirong Customs area could be swept away by sudden floods or landslides.
According to Yonhap News Agency, as of the morning of the previous day, approximately 2 million cubic meters of water had accumulated in the lake, located about 10 kilometers upstream from Jirong Customs. Chinese authorities anticipate an additional 3 million cubic meters of water will flow into the lake over the next three days.
Concerns are particularly high as the water has already begun to overflow the natural dam made of sediment and rocks, raising fears of a dam failure. If the dam collapses, it could lead to sudden flooding and additional landslides in downstream areas.
In light of the situation, Chinese authorities have decided to temporarily suspend search and rescue operations to prioritize assessing the risk of the dam's collapse. They are deploying satellite communication equipment, reconnaissance drones, and 3D laser scanners to analyze the dam and surrounding terrain.
However, the site is characterized by cliffs and steep slopes, making it difficult for rescue personnel and heavy machinery to access the area near the dam. Additionally, forecasts indicate that rain will continue for the next week, maintaining a high risk of secondary disasters such as landslides, according to authorities.
This disaster occurred on August 26 at around 10:30 a.m. near the Jirong Customs area in the Tibet Autonomous Region, close to the border with Nepal. The collapse of glaciers and rocks triggered a large-scale debris flow, disrupting roads and communication networks.
As of 8 a.m. on August 27, Chinese authorities reported three fatalities and 558 individuals missing. Yonhap News Agency noted that all 555 tourists who had been in the area have evacuated to other regions, and no tourists remain in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, this disaster was triggered by a large-scale glacier and landslide event in the Himalayan region connecting China and Nepal. According to CNN's report on August 28, the death toll in Nepal has reached 469, with at least 1,300 individuals, including foreigners, reported missing.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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