Tibet mudslide: 558 missing, including 260 foreigners, after disaster at Nepal border post
A mudslide in Tibet, southwestern China, has left 558 people missing, including 260 foreigners, according to an updated toll released on Thursday. The previous death toll of three remains unchanged. The disaster occurred on Wednesday at the Gyirong border post, which connects to Nepal, a country also affected by deadly floods. Video footage shows a massive wave of mud, rock, and debris engulfing the area between steep cliffs, sweeping away everything in its path as people attempt to flee. Chinese state television CCTV, citing local authorities in Tibet, reported the increased number of missing persons. Two individuals have been rescued. Approximately 800 personnel and over 150 vehicles have been deployed for search and rescue operations near the border post. Firefighters have mobilized 431 individuals, along with search dogs, life detection scanners, and small boats. Additionally, a 140-member unit of the People's Armed Police has been deployed to the disaster site. Operations face challenges due to an unstable upstream dam lake and narrow mountain roads, making it difficult for large vehicles and heavy equipment to reach the main affected area, though peripheral roads remain accessible for material transport. The risk of secondary disasters, such as landslides and rockfalls, remains high due to overnight precipitation. Civilian and military aircraft carrying relief supplies have arrived in Tibet.
