Beijing: China has launched a large-scale rescue and relief operation after severe floods and landslides struck areas near the China-Nepal border in Tibet. President Xi Jinping has instructed authorities to make every possible effort to locate missing people and bring them to safety.
A large number of people are reportedly missing following the disaster. A team of 145 officers and personnel from the People’s Armed Police Shigatse detachment has been sent to the border port in the landslide-hit area to assist with rescue and relief operations.
Nepal has also suffered significant damage. Sudden floods hit two districts in central Nepal bordering Tibet on Wednesday morning, killing at least four people. Riverbank settlements were badly affected, while at least a dozen hydropower projects were damaged.
Among the nearly 400 people reported missing are 105 Indians and 37 people of Indian origin, according to the available information.
Xi Jinping Orders Rescue and Relief Operations
According to China’s state-run news agency Xinhua, Xi Jinping directed authorities to move people living in high-risk areas to safer locations as quickly as possible.
He also called for injured people to receive timely medical treatment and urged officials to conduct relief operations in a way that minimizes casualties and damage.
Xi stressed the need to strengthen monitoring and early-warning systems. He also called for scientifically managed rescue operations and preparations to deal with the possibility of further disasters.
The instructions came after a major landslide struck near the Gyirong border port in Gyirong County at around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The landslide caused extensive damage to the port area and left several people missing.
Buildings Buried Under Debris Near Gyirong Port
According to Chinese state media, a major landslide occurred near Gyirong Port on Wednesday.
Drone footage showed several buildings in the port area buried under large amounts of debris. The scale of the damage has complicated rescue efforts in the mountainous region.
The Global Times reported that local authorities were sending rescue personnel and other resources to the affected area. Communication services have also been disrupted, creating additional difficulties for emergency teams.
The Tibet Autonomous Region shares a long border with Nepal, and the floods and landslides have affected areas on both sides of the frontier.
Chinese Embassy in Nepal Activates Emergency Response
Following the flooding in Nepal’s northern Gyirong-Rasuwagadhi border area, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal also activated its emergency response mechanism.
The embassy began assessing the situation of Chinese citizens and companies in the affected areas. It also urged the Nepalese government and relevant agencies to step up rescue efforts.
The embassy has issued a new safety advisory for Chinese citizens and institutions operating in Nepal.
Rescue and relief teams on both sides of the border are continuing efforts to reach affected areas and search for missing people. Difficult weather conditions, landslides and disrupted communications remain major challenges for the ongoing operation.
