China, Nepal border landslide and flash flood leave 265 missing... Xi Jinping "must prevent secondary disasters"

A massive avalanche and flash flood struck the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China and Nepal's Chamoli district, leaving 3 dead and 558 people missing. Communication networks and roads were cut off in the region. Chinese authorities deployed a large number of rescue personnel, including military and armed police, to the scene. According to preliminary data as of 8am on the same day, three people were reported dead, 558 missing, and two rescued.

The number of missing people had doubled in the evening due to a lack of information. None of the missing individuals were identified as South Korean nationals, and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that. The China National Bureau of Statistics attributed the disaster to a possible series of snow avalanches originating from Nepal.

Authorities are investigating the causes and extent of the damage, as well as monitoring the risk of secondary disasters such as additional avalanches or flash floods. The Himalayan mountain region is known for its challenging terrain and significant weather changes, making rescue efforts particularly difficult. Roads and communication/power networks leading to the affected area were disrupted.

Chinese authorities controlled the route from Lukaqizhou to the Nepalese border in both directions from 26th to the 7th, deploying a total of 249 state fire-fighting personnel and 325 specialist rescue workers. The China State Administration of Disaster Reduction sent 200 rescue personnel and 100 more were prepared to be deployed.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army's Tibetan army dispatched a front command and 130-plus troops along with engineering equipment. Armed police personnel with specialized rescue gear also headed to the scene. Drones, 3D laser scanners, and life-detection devices were also deployed to search for missing persons and assess the damage.

The Chinese government allocated a central fund of 22 million yuan (approximately 453 million USD) for disaster relief and recovery, providing 30,000 tents, stoves, clothing, and blankets as emergency supplies. Premier Xi Jinping ordered a full effort to minimize casualties and emphasized the need to strengthen monitoring, early warning systems, and scientific rescue methods to prevent secondary disasters.

State Councillor Li Keqiang ordered the rapid identification of the missing and affected individuals, and the mobilization of rescue capabilities.