Nepal has temporarily halted rescue operations after authorities received information that a water barrier on the Tibetan side of the border had breached, raising the risk of further flooding in the Himalayan region.

Police warned security personnel, rescue workers and members of the public involved in relief operations to remain alert and immediately move to safer locations.

The warning came two days after a glacial collapse triggered deadly flash flooding in Nepal, killing 469 people. Around 1,400 people are still missing, including hundreds of foreigners, according to the information provided by authorities.

Nepalese authorities stopped rescue operations for 90 minutes amid concerns that another wave of flooding could hit the area within hours.

Narendra Pariyar, the senior bureaucrat of Nepal’s Rasuwa district, said the water level in the river was rising. Helicopter rescue operations were also suspended, while residents were seen moving towards higher ground.

China pauses rescue operations in Tibet

China also suspended rescue operations in the affected area, citing the risk of renewed flooding.

A lake had formed near the China-Nepal border after large amounts of mud and debris accumulated following a mudslide. The lake began overflowing towards areas where rescue teams had been working.

Chinese authorities ordered rescue teams to remain on standby and withdraw one kilometre from the affected area as a precaution.

The developments came as hundreds of people remained missing in Tibet following the deadly mudslide.

Barrier lake raises fresh flood fears

The barrier lake formed after mud and debris hit the Gyirong border hub in Tibet on Wednesday. Aerial footage captured by a Chinese rescue team on Thursday showed brown water accumulating in a basin with no visible outlet.

The water had already covered bushes and trees and was pressing against a barrier made of debris and stones.

Earlier, rescuers and residents on the lower banks in Nepal had been advised to move to higher ground. Chinese personnel and vehicles were also moved away from the area as concerns grew over the possibility of the lake bursting.

Authorities were also concerned about potential secondary disasters, including mountain collapses and avalanches.

The renewed warning has added to the challenges facing rescue teams as Nepal continues efforts to locate those still missing after the devastating flash floods.

The Delhi-Meerut Expressway witnessed severe traffic congestion on Thursday evening, August 27, a day before Raksha Bandhan, as a large number of people travelled to their hometowns and relatives’ homes.

Traffic moved slowly for several kilometres, with some commuters reportedly stuck for nearly five to six hours. The congestion affected stretches of the expressway and other major roads in Ghaziabad.

The traffic was particularly heavy around Lal Kuan and towards Dasna. People travelling from Delhi and Noida added to the pressure on roads as they headed out ahead of the festival.

Commuters face long delays

The festive rush also affected people travelling within the city. Commuters returning from offices reported journeys taking two to three times longer than usual.

One commuter cited in the report said it took around 35-40 minutes to cover four kilometres on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, compared with the usual 10-15 minutes.

Near Chhijarsi, passengers were also reportedly waiting for buses and other vehicles, with the traffic congestion making it difficult for vehicles to reach them.

Ghaziabad Police issues traffic helpline

Amid the congestion, Ghaziabad Police said traffic personnel were deployed at Lal Kuan to manage the situation. A traffic helpline number, 9643322904, was also issued for commuters.

Authorities had already put traffic measures in place ahead of Raksha Bandhan as increased movement was expected during the festival.

Alternative routes for commuters

For people travelling between Ghaziabad and Meerut, connectors before Dasna can be used to access the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and avoid the main congested stretch.

Commuters travelling from Delhi or Ghaziabad can also consider the old National Highway route through Muradnagar and Modinagar.

For those heading towards Meerut, the Namo Bharat train is another option. The NCRTC was operating additional services on August 27 and 28, with trains available at shorter intervals during the festive period.

The death toll from the deadly flash floods in Nepal has risen to at least 359, while more than 1,300 people remain missing, Nepali police said on Thursday as rescue teams continued searching for survivors.

The flash flood struck the Bhotekoshi River at around 9 am on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across three districts. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and left several people missing, including foreign tourists.

According to Nepalese officials, the flood rushed downstream after hitting the main market area, sweeping away people, animals, buildings and public infrastructure.

The powerful flow also damaged roads and bridges, disrupting key routes and complicating rescue and relief efforts.

288 Indians still missing

India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 288 Indians remain missing following the disaster. Around 200 people undertaking the Mansarovar Yatra have also sought evacuation.

India has sent two military aircraft carrying 48 tonnes of relief supplies to flood-hit Nepal. The supplies include solar lamps, hygiene kits, more than eight tonnes of medicines and food.

Rescue and relief operations intensified

Nepal’s security forces have stepped up rescue and relief operations, deploying helicopters and ground teams to affected areas.

Authorities are providing medical assistance, temporary shelters, food, water and medicines to people affected by the floods.

The disaster has also highlighted the growing risks facing communities and infrastructure in the Himalayan region, where unstable ice systems can threaten settlements, infrastructure and water supplies.

A similar flash-flood disaster occurred in the region in August 2025 after a glacial lake in Tibet overflowed amid high temperatures. Nine people were killed in that incident, while critical infrastructure, including a bridge connecting Nepal and China, was damaged.