Scientists suspect ice avalanche triggered Bhotekoshi flood
Summary
Scientists suspect an ice avalanche blocked the Lhende river and triggered a sudden flood in the Bhotekoshi river near the Nepal-China border. Authorities say a glacial lake outburst is also being considered as rescue and relief efforts continue.
Key Points
- An initial assessment suggests an ice avalanche blocked the Lhende river and caused water to surge downstream into the Bhotekoshi river.
- Rijan Bhakta Kayastha said the finding is preliminary and based on discussions with scientists in Nepal and China.
- The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude 4.4 earthquake in Tibetan territory around the same time, but heavy rainfall has been ruled out as the main cause.
- Officials from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology say the exact cause is still under review.
