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Britons warned of second Nepal flood as new lake threatens to burst banks

Father and son share horrifying details of Nepalese

Britons warned of second Nepal flood as new lake threatens to burst banks

TL;DR

  • Two new lakes have formed in Nepal, posing a risk of catastrophic flooding.
  • Nearly 1,000 people remain unaccounted for following a devastating glacier collapse.
  • 33 British nationals are among the missing, prompting the UK government to pledge £5 million in emergency aid.
  • Debris from the initial flood has dammed a river, creating a lake with a steadily climbing water level.
  • On the Chinese side, a blocked lake is expected to receive three million cubic metres of water, with a breach risk anticipated around September 1.
  • Forecast rainfall is expected to heighten the danger.
  • The UK is deploying consular support staff to the region.
  • Nine missing Britons were travelling with tour operator The Trekkers' Society, and seven with Kailash Journeys.
  • The catastrophe was triggered by a glacial collapse that registered as a magnitude 5.2 seismic event.
  • Entire villages were destroyed, and damaged infrastructure necessitates helicopter access to the disaster zone.
  • Some rescue teams are retreating to higher ground due to the new lake warnings.
  • Royal family members have expressed their condolences and shock.
  • Nepal's tourism board reported 579 travellers missing, including 466 foreign nationals.
  • Other nationalities missing include Indian pilgrims, Americans, Australians, and Canadians.
  • In Tibet, China reports 558 unaccounted-for individuals.