GYIRONG, China, Sep 6 (APP):The death toll from a devastating mudslide that struck Gyirong County in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Aug. 26 has risen to 43, while 519 people remain missing, local authorities said at a news conference Sunday. The mudslide caused extensive damage to roads, infrastructure, homes and livelihoods in the area near the China-Nepal border, leaving affected communities facing a difficult recovery. Following the reopening of …
International media team visits mudslide-hit Gyirong County in China’s Xizang
GYIRONG, China, Sep 6 (APP):The death toll from a devastating mudslide that struck Gyirong County in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Aug. 26 has risen to 43, while 519 people remain missing, local authorities said at a news conference Sunday.
The mudslide caused extensive damage to roads, infrastructure, homes and livelihoods in the area near the China-Nepal border, leaving affected communities facing a difficult recovery.
Following the reopening of the road leading to the mudslide-hit Gyirong Port, rescuers have intensified searches in the core disaster area. As of 6 p.m. Friday, two people had been rescued and 993 personal belongings had been recovered, according to local authorities.
Authorities said 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries remain unaccounted for following the disaster.
Meanwhile, An international media team, including journalists from the United States, Britain, Russia, India, Brazil, Pakistan and other countries, visited Gyirong to document the impact of the mudslide. The journalists inspected damaged areas, spoke with local residents and rescue personnel, and witnessed firsthand the challenges facing communities affected by the disaster.
At the request of Nepal, the Chinese government has dispatched tunnel rescue and DNA experts to Nepal and provided emergency supplies to support rescue and identification efforts.
The government of Xizang has also provided Nepal with 320 tonnes of Bailey bridge components and other disaster-relief materials, authorities said.
Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing, with authorities focusing on deep searches in the affected areas while working to restore transportation links, assist residents and rebuild damaged infrastructure.
The disaster has underscored the severe human and environmental impact of natural disasters in the border region, while also highlighting the resilience of local communities and the ongoing efforts to recover and rebuild.
