09 August 2004	Monday	22 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

NEW DELHI, Aug 8: India braced for fresh floods on Sunday after China warned that water from a melting glacial lake in Tibet could spill into two northern Indian states in 24 hours.

Himachal Pradesh and Punjab states have been on alert since Thursday and evacuated thousands from villages. "China has already informed India through diplomatic channels that an artificial glacial lake could cause flash floods in 24 hours," Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Kanwar Shamsher Singh told reporters.

Other officials from Himachal Pradesh, which borders Tibet, said eight villages had been evacuated after satellites discovered the lake, currently 38 kilometres long, 2,640 feet (800 metres) wide and 99 feet deep.

India's Zee news channel reported on Sunday that there were serious concerns for thousands of people living on the banks of Himachal Pradesh's Sutlej river, which flows down into Punjab, a major food producer. -AFP