Nepal Police has issued an urgent public alert after the news that a water dam on the Tibetan side has burst again, and it could put fresh water in imminent danger because of this, an official said.
Nepal Police, in its warning, advised all security personnel, rescue workers working on search, rescue, and relief operations, as well as the general public, to be “fully alert” and move to safer places and to remain active. People should also be notified of the danger, the authorities said.
As the warning comes at a critical point, parts of Nepal are already struggling with the heavy blows of recent floods and flash floods. Resilient people have been helped by rescue and relief agencies in the difficult times, but people remain stranded and missing, and emergency assistance is being provided in the areas where disaster struck.
According to the Nepal Police alert, the water dam on the Tibetan side has burst again. They could be monitoring the situation and its consequences in the downstream area, but the warning is an indication of the possibility of danger.
The immediate task for authorities then is to protect people from being subjected to rapidly rising water levels. Security forces and rescue workers working near rivers and flood-affected areas have also been advised to be on their toes.
The latest warning is particularly relevant because mountain rivers can experience sudden and strong changes in water levels after the dam, barrier lake or other water body is breached. Mud, rocks and debris can flow through small valleys quickly and hit communities downstream.
Nepal Police therefore has asked people to stay safe and to follow safety recommendations given by local authorities. People in the most vulnerable areas are told to move in the direction of the higher ground and safer areas if they are evacuated.
The warning is a further challenge for rescue teams. Personnel have been working in areas already affected by damaged roads, bridges and infrastructure. A renewed water surge could overwhelm rescue routes and disrupt access to those who need to get to the people of the affected areas.
The alert is also an alarm, and communication and quick message sharing during a disaster are crucial to communication and information sharing during this kind of disaster. Nepal Police asked those who are told by the warning to inform others immediately, so residents who may not have access to official updates are also alerted to the threat.
The situation is still being watched extremely closely by authorities, and the government will monitor the situation along the Nepal-Tibet border and downstream river systems. Water levels and conditions in vulnerable areas will be closely monitored by officials and security agencies.
Nepal Police are clear to the public: remain alert, avoid dangerous places, and move to safe places in case there is an emergency.
The latest warning comes as Nepal continues its recovery and rescue efforts following severe flooding that has already caused widespread destruction. The possibility of another sudden water surge adds urgency to ongoing operations and reinforces the need for residents and rescue personnel to follow official safety instructions.
Nepal Police is still at the forefront of emergency response and public safety efforts and is working with other security and disaster-management agencies to protect communities where people are at risk.
The situation is developing, and further official briefings will be provided in due course of time once the actual breach has been confirmed and the effects of the breach are examined.
