Mudslide at Gyirong Port Triggers Massive Cross-Border Rescue Effort

A landslide that originated on the Nepalese side struck Gyirong Port in Gyirong County, Xizang Autonomous Region, on the morning of August 26, 2026. Local officials confirmed three deaths and many people unaccounted for. The disaster cut off roads, communications and power supplies, prompting an immediate emergency response from Chinese authorities and international concern.

Global TimesGlobal Times3 dead, 558 missing, 2 rescued after mudslide hits Xizang border port

• August 26, 2026 – Mudslide at 10:30 a.m., destroying access routes and initiating rescue operations.

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• August 27, 2026 – A PLA Y-20 transport aircraft departed Chengdu with the first wave of rescue personnel and equipment.

3 dead, 558 missing, 2 rescued after mudslide hits Xizang border port

• Chinese authorities report three confirmed deaths and 558 missing, including 260 foreign nationals; two villagers have been rescued.

3 dead, 558 missing, 2 rescued after mudslide hits Xizang border port

• Rescue forces include 141 rescuers, a 111-person search team, and 300 additional personnel from Lhasa and Chengdu bases, plus 248 workers from state firms.

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• 601 firefighters with 113 vehicles and 325 engineering rescue personnel have been mobilized.

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• Relief supplies total 30,000 items from the central government, 2,500 sets from the Red Cross Society of China, and 5,500 boxes of food and water from the Red Cross Foundation.

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• Financial assistance includes 120 million yuan from the Ministry of Emergency Management and 100 million yuan from the National Development and Reform Commission.

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• Nepal’s disaster agency later reported 826 missing and 165 bodies recovered from flood-affected areas; the Prime Minister’s office cited 95 deaths and 484 missing in a related flash-flood event.

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• President Xi Jinping ordered “all-out” search and rescue, evacuation of at-risk residents and prompt medical treatment.

3 dead, 558 missing, 2 rescued after mudslide hits Xizang border port

• Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said nearly 100 Chinese nationals remain missing on the Nepal side and that the embassy is verifying information.

3 dead, 558 missing, 2 rescued after mudslide hits Xizang border port

• Norbu Tsering, commander of the on-site headquarters, identified 260 of the missing as foreign nationals.

3 dead, 558 missing, 2 rescued after mudslide hits Xizang border port

• Chen Hongqi, senior engineer with the Ministry of Natural Resources, outlined four major challenges: uncertain mountain stability, unknown water conditions, heavy rainfall impact, and narrow access routes.

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• Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, expressed deep sadness; Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, offered condolences and pledged support.

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Gyirong Port is a principal land gateway linking China and Nepal, so its disruption affects bilateral trade and travel. The high number of foreign tourists among the missing raises diplomatic and consular responsibilities and highlights the vulnerability of high-altitude infrastructure to extreme weather.

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Chinese sources cite three deaths and 558 missing (including 260 foreigners). Nepal’s disaster agency reports 826 missing and 165 bodies recovered, while the Prime Minister’s office references 95 deaths and 484 missing in a separate flash-flood event. These differences reflect varying geographic scopes and ongoing verification.

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Rescue teams are clearing an upstream blockage and removing debris about 3 km upstream before safe clearance can proceed. Additional contingents remain on standby, with further deployments planned as weather conditions evolve. The Chinese embassy in Nepal has renewed safety advisories for Chinese nationals and businesses, urging avoidance of high-risk valleys, riverbanks and remote areas, and compliance with local emergency instructions.

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