Kathmandu— Following a devastating flash flood that swept across the Nepal-China border in Kerung, Rasuwa, China reports nearly 100 of its nationals are missing on the Nepali side. The disaster, which occurred on August 26th, also left 260 foreign nationals unaccounted for within Chinese territory near Gyirong Port in Xizang Autonomous Region. Chinese authorities have launched a large-scale rescue operation and are coordinating with Nepal to locate those missing and provide assistance, while high-level officials including General Secretary Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have issued directives prioritizing search and rescue efforts.

China Mobilizes Rescue Efforts

In response to the disaster, Chinese authorities activated a national level-II emergency response for disaster relief, with the Xizang Autonomous Region elevating its response to level-I. Rescue teams comprised of military personnel, armed police, border inspectors, and firefighters were dispatched immediately to the affected areas to participate in ongoing search operations. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing arrived on site to oversee rescue and disaster-response efforts.

Cross-Border Coordination Underway

The Chinese side has expressed sympathy to Nepal following the flood and reports close communication between both countries regarding search and rescue coordination. China stated its readiness to provide emergency assistance to Nepal as needed. According to information from local Chinese authorities, a total of 260 foreign nationals are currently unaccounted for in affected areas within China, with further verification ongoing due to challenging conditions on the ground.

Safety Alert Issued for Chinese Citizens

The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has issued a safety alert and is working to verify information regarding the missing Chinese nationals. The embassy remains available around-the-clock to assist citizens in need and advises them to move to safe locations and take precautions against potential secondary hazards. A spokesperson emphasized that all lives are precious, regardless of nationality, and communication with foreign embassies in China is ongoing to provide updates.

Chinese authorities continue search and rescue operations on both sides of the border, working closely with Nepal to account for those missing and provide necessary assistance.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.