Tibet mudslide kills 3, leaves 265 missing

A powerful mudslide and flood struck China's Gyirong Port in the Tibet Autonomous Region on August 26, resulting in at least three deaths and 265 people missing, according to initial reports from Chinese state media. The disaster occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time after a massive mudslide in northern Nepal caused floodwaters laden with mud and rocks to surge into the Chinese port area.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV cited local government figures, noting that the exact casualty count is still being verified. This marks the first time China has released casualty figures for the disaster within its borders. The floodwaters buried some buildings in Gyirong Port and disrupted communication and power lines. Rescue personnel reported that mudslide deposits reached depths of about 1.5 meters in some sections, with the road leading to the port severed several kilometers away, complicating access.

Gyirong Port is a vital land route for trade between China and Nepal and a key gateway to South Asia. Authorities have implemented traffic controls, restricting entry to the disaster zone except for rescue vehicles. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a comprehensive search and rescue effort for the missing, the relocation of threatened populations, and medical treatment for the injured. He also called for enhanced monitoring and prevention of secondary disasters.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing is leading relevant departments to the site to guide rescue operations. The People's Liberation Army, armed police, firefighters, and engineering rescue teams have been deployed. Despite the deployment of hundreds of rescuers and heavy machinery, severe mud accumulation and continuous rainfall are hindering search efforts. The situation on the Nepal side is also dire, with at least 384 tourists reported missing, including 291 foreigners, according to Nepal's tourism authorities. Nepali police had earlier reported finding multiple bodies.