Ice avalanche, debris lake may have triggered Bhotekoshi flood
Summary
An ice avalanche and the bursting of a debris lake may have triggered the sudden flood in the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa, according to preliminary assessments from Nepal’s hydrology officials. Authorities are also considering whether a glacial lake outburst occurred, while rescue and relief efforts continue.
Key Points
- Officials say satellite imagery suggests an ice avalanche blocked a river upstream of the Miteri Bridge, forming a temporary debris lake that later burst.
- The sudden flood in the Bhotekoshi river may have been worsened by large amounts of debris mixed with the water.
- Experts and disaster officials say it may take several days to confirm whether a glacial lake outburst also occurred.
- The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said there was no heavy rainfall in Rasuwa on Tuesday or Wednesday.
