Kathmandu— A mudslide struck Gyirong Port in Gyirong County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, on Wednesday morning, resulting in three confirmed fatalities and 558 people remaining missing as of Thursday morning. Local authorities have resettled 499 villagers and construction workers, while also evacuating all 555 stranded tourists from the area. Civil aviation services have been mobilized to deliver rescue personnel and essential supplies to support emergency response efforts.

Rescue and Relocation Operations

Following the mudslide, authorities prioritized the evacuation of both residents and tourists. All 555 affected tourists were successfully transferred under the coordination of cultural and tourism officials, with no tourists remaining stranded in the disaster zone. Simultaneously, 499 villagers and construction workers have been accommodated in temporary shelters. Local public security authorities established 24 emergency tents to house over 320 residents.

Air Support Delivers Aid

Civil aviation authorities played a crucial role in supporting the rescue operations. By 3 p.m. on Thursday, aircraft had transported 324 rescue personnel and delivered 24 tonnes of vital supplies – including rescue equipment, daily necessities, and medical provisions – to Gyirong County. This air support is intended to bolster emergency response capabilities and facilitate the relocation of displaced residents.

Ongoing Search and Recovery

Despite the successful evacuation efforts, the search for missing individuals continues. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, authorities reported three confirmed deaths and 558 people still unaccounted for, alongside two local villagers who were rescued. The focus remains on locating those missing and providing continued support to affected communities.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue the search for the remaining missing individuals and work to provide long-term assistance to those impacted by the mudslide.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.