China resumes rescue efforts at Nepal-Tibet border after suspending operations over second flood fears
By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent Rescue and recovery operations along the remote Nepal-China border have resumed following a temporary halt after reports that a landslide-induced barrier lake breached its banks. Though the catastrophic development initially introduced an imminent threat of secondary flooding—forcing emergency personnel and vulnerable local populations to…
Rescue and recovery operations along the Nepal-China border have resumed after a temporary suspension due to concerns over a second flood caused by a landslide. The barrier lake, initially a significant threat, has begun to drain, reducing the risk of secondary flooding by around 10 meters. The death toll in Nepal stands at 469, with over 1,300 people still missing, including foreign nationals and pilgrims.
On the Chinese side, 5 people have died, and more than 550 are missing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, dispatched by President Xi Jinping, is directing relief efforts in Shigatse. Li emphasized the urgency of continuing search operations as long as there is any possibility of finding survivors. Chinese officials are closely monitoring the stability of the landslide-dammed lake and surrounding mountains to prevent further disasters.
The challenging topography, including steep valleys, glaciers, and ice lakes, makes rescue efforts extremely difficult. International organizations have adjusted their protocols, with UN and Red Cross teams retreating to safer areas to disseminate flood alerts. Despite the heroics of emergency teams battling through treacherous terrain, conditions remain perilous.
The disaster has claimed 5 lives in China and left over 550 people missing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, attending a meeting of senior Communist Party leaders, called for vigilance in preventing secondary disasters. International organizations are also adapting their strategies to better communicate flood information and support relief efforts.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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