Kathmandu— Emergency responders are working to rescue those affected by a devastating mudslide that occurred Wednesday morning near the Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border. The disaster, centered in Nepal but impacting both sides of the crossing in Gyirong County, Xizang Autonomous Region, has resulted in at least three confirmed deaths and 265 people missing as of 8 p.m. local time. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out efforts to locate those missing, evacuate residents in danger, and provide medical care to the injured.

Rapid Response Mobilized

Chinese authorities have activated their highest level of emergency response for natural disasters, deploying 792 personnel and 152 vehicles to aid in rescue operations. The regional fire and rescue authority has mobilized an additional 431 firefighters with specialized equipment including rescue dogs and life scanners. Troops and armed police officers are also assisting with the effort. Relief supplies, including cotton coats, tents, quilts, and mats, have been dispatched to the affected area.

Infrastructure Severely Impacted

The mudslide has caused significant damage to infrastructure surrounding Gyirong Port, cutting off roads, communication lines, and power supplies. The first team of power grid repairers arrived on site Wednesday to begin restoration work. 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 working group to guide rescue efforts and prevent further incidents.

Financial Support Allocated

The Chinese government has pledged substantial financial support for both immediate rescue operations and long-term recovery. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management have jointly allocated 120 million yuan (approximately $17.69 million USD) in disaster relief funds to Xizang. An additional 100 million yuan has been earmarked by the National Development and Reform Commission for post-disaster reconstruction.

Continued Rainfall Threatens Further Disasters

Local meteorological authorities are forecasting continued rainfall across Gyirong County through Sunday, raising concerns about potential floods, landslides, and other secondary disasters in low-lying areas. China Anneng, a state-owned engineering and rescue enterprise, has deployed 200 personnel equipped with drones, laser scanners, and life detectors to assist in monitoring the situation.

Rescue teams continue to search for survivors as authorities work to restore essential services and assess the full extent of the damage. The ongoing rainfall presents a significant challenge to these efforts.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.