China restores access to Tibet disaster zone as highway reopens a week after devastating flood

China has reopened the sole highway leading to Tibet's Gyirong border crossing into Nepal, a week after flooding severely damaged sections of the G216 national highway. This reopening allows heavy machinery to reach the disaster zone for the first time, replacing aerial drops of supplies. CCTV footage shows rescue crews equipped with life-detection devices and search dogs in action, though progress is slowed by persistent rain and treacherous terrain.

Authorities are monitoring upstream lakes for potential further flooding, while landslides remain a concern. In Nepal, 1,114 people have been killed, with nearly 4,000 still unaccounted for. Over 30 Latvian tourists are believed missing. Across the border in Tibet, the official death toll rose to 21, with 541 people still missing.

Among the missing are 104 Nepali citizens, 49 Indians, 33 Latvians, and six Canadians. Latvian Ambassador to China Karlis Eihenbaums stated that his country's embassy is in constant contact with Chinese authorities for updates. However, the Latvian embassy has not visited the disaster site due to information suggesting the missing Latvians may have crossed into Nepal.

Canada confirms its officials are in regular contact with Chinese officials working on the response efforts. The Chinese government has not permitted foreign journalists to visit the disaster zone, citing road and communication access issues as well as safety risks from secondary disasters.