5.1 earthquake hits China, Nepal sounds fresh flood alert

A fresh flash flood warning has been issued for Nepal after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit China’s Sichuan province on Friday. Nepal Police have launched an operation to evacuate locals near the Trishuli area as a heavy flow of water from above threatens to raise the river’s water level.The 5.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Longchang City in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said, which cited CGTN. Nepal Police, in a post on X, called on security personnel, rescue teams engaged in relief and rescue efforts, and members of the public to stay alert, shift to safer areas and alert others if necessary.
According to The Kathmandu Post report, a large barrier lake formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers has reportedly breached, raising fresh concerns of another surge of water into Nepal’s Bhotekoshi river. Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar said on Friday that the Nepali Army had just informed him that the lake had breached. The development comes a day after Chinese authorities warned that the lake, formed by flooding near the confluence, was already overflowing and faced a high risk of breaching as more water flowed into it. Nepal Authorities have rescued 644 people from Rasuwa, 898 from Nuwakot and three from Dhading.Nepali authorities have yet to release a detailed assessment of the reported lake breach or confirm the volume of water released into the Bhotekoshi. The planned aerial reconnaissance is expected to provide a clearer picture of the situation and the potential risks to downstream communities.