Kathmandu: Preliminary studies suggest that a glacial lake eruption in the Tibetan region of China was the likely cause behind the recent devastating floods in Rasuwa district, which destroyed the Miteri Bridge and swept away infrastructure near the Nepal-China border.

Climate and disaster monitoring agencies, including the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, have pointed to satellite imagery analyses that strongly indicate the eruption of a supraglacial lake—a type of lake formed on the surface of a glacier—as the probable trigger.

“There was no significant rainfall in the area,” said Dr. Dharmaraj Upreti, a noted climatologist involved in the investigation. “Based on satellite comparisons before and after the event, layered signs of sudden water outburst were visible, pointing towards a glacial lake eruption.”

The Department confirmed that while the exact lake responsible is still under investigation, initial findings by both government teams and independent experts support the theory. The eruption likely unleashed a sudden surge of water downstream into Nepal, leading to flash floods that affected infrastructure and left several rescue workers stranded.

Dr. Upreti emphasized that the lake in question does not appear to be old, indicating that recent climatic shifts and glacial melting could have contributed to the sudden event. "We are analyzing topographical and hydrological changes around other lakes in the vicinity to pinpoint the source," he added.

Authorities continue to monitor the region for further risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which are increasingly being linked to climate change and rising global temperatures.

A comprehensive report is expected in the coming days following detailed satellite and field assessments.