CHINA’S SIDE OF BORDER WITH NEPAL AFFECTED
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday that “a mudslide disaster on the Nepalese side resulted in major casualties and missing people at the Gyirong Port” in Tibet.
Footage shared by the broadcaster, which AFP was unable to immediately verify, showed rushing water carrying tree branches and debris, as well as a flooded road.
Chinese state media reported “major casualties” from a mudslide at a Tibet trade hub on China’s side of its border with Nepal, and President Xi Jinping ordered an “all-out” rescue effort.
China’s leader said that “the most urgent task is doing everything possible to search for and rescue the missing people … quickly treat injured people and minimise casualties to the greatest extent possible”, according to CCTV.
Traffic authorities in Tibet’s Shigatse said roads in the area were “at risk of mudslides and unsafe for passage” in a post to social media on Wednesday.
In July last year, 17 people went missing after a mudslide near the Gyirong Port, Xinhua reported at the time.
Monsoon rains from June to September regularly trigger deadly floods and landslides across South Asia.
Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region.
Qianggong Zhang, head of climate and environmental risks at ICIMOD, said a second flood may be imminent.
“With a blockage still lodged upstream on the Nepal-China border river, authorities warn a second flood may occur,” he told AFP.
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