Flood alert in India after landslide forms lake in China

China has alerted India about a flash flood threat in the Brahmaputra River originating in Tibet following a landslide that led to the formation of an artificial lake in its territory.

The Brahmaputra is called Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet and known as the Siang after it enters India in Arunachal Pradesh state before flowing into Assam and Bangladesh further downstream, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

An Indian official said "They (China) first informed us on Wednesday about the landslide and creation of an artificial lake. Water is over-topping (breaching). It will reach Arunachal Pradesh and cross the high flood level by Friday night." 

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today directed authorities in four districts in the state bordering Arunachal Pradesh to "remain alert" for possible flash flood after China informed India about the landslide, a spokesman of the Chief Minister's Office said. 

Six teams of National Disaster Response Force from Kolkata have been asked to reach Assam and will swing into action.

The districts along the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh have also been put on high alert for possible flash floods.