A massive mudslide and flash flood hit the Gyirong Port region near the China-Nepal border on Wednesday, resulting in at least 160 fatalities and over 1,000 individuals unaccounted for on both sides of the border.
As per the most recent announcement from the Shigatse municipal government during a press conference on Thursday morning, three deaths have been confirmed, with 558 individuals still missing in the Chinese territory.
Two survivors have been rescued. Earlier figures of 265 missing were revised upwards as search efforts expanded, according to the update.
Chinese authorities have mobilised more than 1,500 personnel, including firefighters, military troops and engineering teams. Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing has arrived at the scene to direct operations.
A barrier lake has formed near the port, complicating rescue efforts, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Nepal police reported late on Wednesday that 157 bodies had been recovered.
According to the Nepali Prime Minister’s Office, 484 tourists are missing, including 391 foreign nationals from at least 26 countries. Among them are 142 Indians, 47 from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from Britain and 24 from Canada.
Sunil Sharma, a spokesman for the Nepal Tourism Board, said that 133 of the missing tourists were Indian pilgrims.
The disaster hit Gyirong county in Tibet’s Shigatse at around 10.30am on Wednesday, originating from the Nepali side.
The area sits alongside a key pilgrimage corridor leading to Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which draws hundreds of devotees from India and beyond each year, especially during this peak season.
Initial assessments by Nepali officials pointed to a possible earthquake-triggered collapse of a glacier’s lower section, which may have unleashed the devastating floodwaters.
Countries and organisations around the world have begun sending cash, relief supplies and other assistance to Nepal as it responds to the aftermath of a devastating flash flood that killed more than 160 people and left hundreds missing.
China has coordinated emergency supplies and cash assistance for Nepal, China’s Ambassador to Nepal said in a post on the social media platform X.
The EU is ready to “mobilise further European assistance”, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X.
India has sent 10 metric tons of disaster-relief supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines, India’s foreign ministry said.
