Nepal-China disaster information sharing intensifies after Bhotekoshi flood, helps detect reappearing lake beneath ice in Langtang
Summary
Nepal and China have intensified disaster information sharing after the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood, with Beijing now sending daily weather, glacier and glacial-lake updates. The new data helped Nepali officials monitor lakes in Langtang and detect an englacial lake reappearing beneath ice.
Key Points
- China’s Meteorological Administration is now sending Nepal daily weather reports, satellite images and glacier-risk updates after the August 26 flood.
- Nepali officials say the new exchange has improved early warning and monitoring through formal channels and a WeChat group of officials.
- Information from China helped Nepal track two newly formed lakes in Langtang and later confirm that water was draining from them.
- Regular satellite imagery also revealed a lake beneath ice reappearing in the Lirung Himal area of Langtang.
