Nepal sought more glacier data from China months before deadly floods: Report

Three months before the deadly flash floods that resulted in nearly 800 deaths in Nepal, officials of the Himalayan nation held a meeting with their Chinese counterparts on glacier and flood risks. However, following the meeting, the Nepali government officials reportedly said that they wanted more information from China, raising concerns that gaps in data sharing could make it harder to prepare for major disasters along their Himalayan border.

According to a Reuters report, two Nepali officials had said that they had not received as much information as they wanted on glacier risks and water levels after the May 27 meeting in Kathmandu. The report further quoted the officials as saying that they said earlier warnings about changes around glaciers could help Nepal prepare for disasters.

Also Read: Nepal’s deadliest disasters: From earthquakes to flash floods and avalanches

"What we actually wanted from them, and still want, is if there are early movements of glaciers and early movements around that area, we would want to know a bit early," said Sauhardra Joshi, a hydrologist at Nepal's Flood Forecasting Division who attended the meeting.

Officials discuss cross-border risks

The meeting in Kathmandu brought together 10 Nepali officials and about a dozen Chinese representatives, including officials from Tibet, where the disaster occurred. An agenda prepared by Nepal stated that the two sides discussed cooperation on floods, weather and glacier-related hazards, reported Reuters.

The report further stated that participants called for joint steps to reduce risks, including inventories of glacial lakes and maps identifying areas exposed to hazards.

China says talks made progress

No officials or experts have blamed either country for the disaster. Nepali officials say closer cooperation with China remains their priority.

Chinese representatives said they did not have the authority to sign an agreement addressing Nepal's requests, stated Binod Parajuli, another Nepali government hydrologist, adding that the Chinese side sought further discussions.

Also Read: Nepal floods: Death toll reaches 788; Indian forensic team helps identify bodies

The Chinese embassy in Nepal stated in a post on X on Saturday (August 29) that Beijing and Kathmandu had remained in close contact. It said the May meeting had made "substantial progress" on cross-border disaster information ⁠sharing.

Beijing rejects warning criticism

The Chinese embassy rejected criticism from some Nepali social media users that China had failed to provide enough warning, stating that Chinese and international experts faced major challenges monitoring hazards in the remote Himalayan region.

Also Read: Nepal floods: People from more than 30 countries reported missing

Chinese teams had shared important information with Nepal "in a timely manner", it said.

Last year's meeting followed a flood in the same area after water was suddenly released from a glacial lake in Tibet. At least nine people in Nepal were killed, while more than a dozen remained missing.