Kathmandu— Chinese authorities have initiated full-scale rescue operations following a mudslide that struck the Gyirong border port in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Wednesday morning. The disaster, which originated in Nepal, has resulted in three confirmed deaths and 265 people missing as of 8 p.m. local time. The incident severed road access, communication lines, and power supplies to the port, prompting a multi-agency response involving financial aid, resource allocation, and personnel deployment.

Emergency Response Activation

The Ministry of Natural Resources activated a Level-II emergency response for geological disasters – the second highest in China’s four-tier system – and dispatched a team to guide rescue efforts and prevent further incidents. Simultaneously, the National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief, alongside the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM), launched a Level-II disaster relief response, allocating 30,000 central relief supplies including tents, stoves, clothing, and bedding to aid in evacuation and resettlement.

Financial and Material Support

Significant financial resources have been committed to support rescue and recovery operations. The Ministry of Finance and the MEM jointly allocated 120 million yuan (approximately $17.69 million USD) in central natural disaster relief funds specifically for Xizang. In addition, the National Development and Reform Commission earmarked 100 million yuan from the central budget to support post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Infrastructure Assessment and Repair

The mudslide caused significant disruption to infrastructure at Gyirong Port, cutting off roads, communications, and power. The Ministry of Water Resources activated a coordination mechanism for major flood and drought disasters, analyzing rainfall patterns, glacial conditions, and potential downstream risks. The National Energy Administration is coordinating with power companies to expedite emergency repairs and restore electricity to the affected area, with initial repair teams already on site.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and work towards restoring essential services to Gyirong Port.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.