The Himalayan emergency entered a critical phase Friday as China and Nepal closely monitored natural dams formed after a massive landslide triggered a violent flash flood on Wednesday.
Tons of mud and sediment accumulated in river channels on both sides of the border, creating a large barrier lake. Chinese state media initially reported that the reservoir had filled and begun overflowing, but later said the water had stopped spilling over the natural barrier.
The danger, however, remains upstream. Rain forecast for the coming hours and days could increase pressure on the natural dam and trigger new flooding in areas already devastated by the disaster.
The catastrophe has so far left at least 584 people dead, 579 in Nepal and five in Tibet, while nearly 2,500 people remain missing.
Nepal also reported the rescue of one of three Spanish nationals who had been listed as missing
