3 dead, 558 missing after mudslide in Tibet region on China-Nepal border
By The South Asia Times
BEIJING - A massive mudslide on the Nepalese side of the border has caused widespread devastation at the Gyirong Port in Tibet's Gyirong County, leaving three people dead and 558 missing as of Wednesday morning, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Among the missing are 260 foreign nationals, officials said at a press conference held in Gyirong Town on Thursday.
At the start of the press conference, all attendees observed a moment of silence for the victims of the disaster.
Lobsang Tsering, the first commander of the Gyirong mudslide disaster relief command center and acting mayor of Shigatse City, reported that two villagers from Resuo Village had been successfully rescued so far.
According to Tsering, after the disaster struck, top officials from the autonomous region rushed to the scene to direct rescue operations. Shigatse City activated its highest-level emergency response for natural disaster relief and established a forward command center.
Professional rescue teams from multiple agencies have been mobilized to conduct search and rescue operations, resettle affected people, and provide essential supplies.
"We always adhere to the principle of putting people and their lives first," Tsering said. "Currently, all rescue efforts are proceeding actively and in an orderly manner."
Authorities said the next steps will include:
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A full-scale search and rescue operation for missing persons
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Comprehensive medical treatment for the injured
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Continued strengthening of monitoring and early warning systems to prevent secondary disasters
Officials said they are making every effort to safeguard the lives and property of the people affected by this disaster.
