China has sent more rescue forces to Tibet after a deadly mudslide left 558 people missing, including 260 foreign nationals and UK nationals.
China has sent additional rescue forces to southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region after a mudslide struck Gyirong County near the China-Nepal border on August 26th.
As of 8 a.m. on August 27th, three people had been confirmed dead, and 558 remained missing, according to the Gyirong mudslide rescue command. Two residents of Resuo Village had been rescued.
The missing included 260 foreign nationals, the command said at a press conference on Thursday.
The disaster occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on August 26. A mudslide from the Nepal side swept into the area around Gyirong Port in Xigaze, causing major casualties and leaving hundreds of people unaccounted for.
UK Nationals Among Those Missing
The disaster has also raised concerns about British nationals in the area.
Nepalese police said 33 UK nationals were missing, according to the BBC and PA news agency.
Meanwhile, a Nepalese tour operator told PA that nine British nationals travelling with one of its pilgrimage groups remained unaccounted for.
The group was travelling to Mount Kailash after crossing the Nepal-Tibet border. It included four males aged between 14 and 54 and five females aged between 40 and 53, according to Trekkers’ Society, the tour operator.
Roshan Basnet, the company’s general manager, said the group was still at the Chinese immigration checkpoint when the disaster struck. The company then lost contact with its tour guide.
The figures from Nepalese police and the tour operator come from different sources. They may not refer to the same group.
China Sends Additional Rescue Forces
China has stepped up rescue efforts as the search for missing people continues.
The first team of 141 rescuers arrived at Gyirong Port on Thursday morning, according to China’s Ministry of Emergency Management. A high-altitude helicopter has also reached the disaster area.
Another 111 rescuers from the China Search and Rescue Team arrived in Gyirong County at 2:28 p.m. on Thursday. They will head to Gyirong Port to join the rescue operation.
Most members of the 111-strong team came from fire and rescue teams in Beijing and Sichuan. They brought detection, rescue, demolition, communications and support equipment. Four search-and-rescue dogs also joined the team.
In addition, an eight-member advance team from China Anneng, a state-owned engineering and rescue company, arrived in Gyirong County early Thursday. The team brought communications and detection equipment. It will collect key data and help address a blockage upstream.
According to rescue personnel at the site, dealing with the blockage is a top priority. Debris has accumulated about 3 km upstream of the port. Rescuers need to reduce the risks posed by the blockage before they can safely clear the debris.
Hundreds more rescuers are also heading to the disaster area, carrying equipment and supplies for detection, rescue, communications and logistical support.
At the same time, the Chinese military has joined the operation. A Y-20 transport aircraft carrying a command team from the PLA Western Theatre Command took off on Thursday morning for Xigaze.
The team will help coordinate the joint rescue operation.
Search and Rescue Continues
After the disaster, Xigaze launched a Level I emergency response for natural disaster relief. Authorities also set up a front-line command centre in Gyirong.
Rescue teams are searching for missing people. They are also treating the injured and helping residents move to safer areas.
Meanwhile, authorities are closely monitoring the disaster area. They are also strengthening early-warning measures to reduce the risk of secondary disasters.
The mudslide occurred after a disaster on the Nepal side of the border. The rugged Himalayan terrain and damaged roads have made access to the affected area difficult.
However, rescue operations are continuing as authorities work to locate those still missing.
The latest figures are provisional. Authorities are continuing to verify the number and identities of those affected.
Additional reporting by Xinhua, CNS.
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