A devastating mudslide and flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday caused major casualties, left hundreds missing and triggered large-scale rescue operations.
The disaster struck around the Gyirong border crossing in Tibet’s Shigatse region after flooding and a mudslide originating on the Nepalese side swept through the Himalayan border area.
Chinese state media reported “major casualties” and missing persons at Gyirong Port, while authorities in Nepal reported deaths and widespread destruction in districts near the border.
Hundreds of Tourists Reported Missing
Nepal’s tourism authorities reported that hundreds of travellers, including foreign tourists, were unaccounted for as rescue operations continued.
The flooding swept away homes, roads, bridges and power infrastructure in Nepal, while roads, communications and electricity supplies were disrupted around Gyirong Port in Tibet.
The reported death toll has varied as authorities continue search and recovery operations, with later reports indicating at least 22 deaths in Nepal.
Possible Avalanche Trigger Under Investigation
Experts and officials are investigating whether an ice-rock avalanche or another geological event triggered the sudden flooding.
A preliminary assessment cited by Reuters-linked reporting indicated that a rock-ice avalanche may have blocked the Lhende Khola river before a cascading flood swept through the region, although the precise cause had not been conclusively established.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered extensive search and rescue operations and called for stronger monitoring to prevent secondary disasters.
Rescue Operations Continue
Rescue teams from Nepal and China have been deployed, but damaged infrastructure, sediment and high water levels have complicated access to affected communities.
Authorities have also warned of the possibility of further flooding linked to an upstream blockage, as efforts continue to locate missing residents and travellers.
