No trace of once-busy China-Nepal border port after mudslide
Rescue workers search for hundreds still missing at the Gyirong border crossing between China's Tibet and Nepal, as landslides, poor weather and deep mud complicate recovery efforts.
A devastating mudslide on August 26 at the Gyirong border crossing between China's Tibet and Nepal has left the once-busy port in ruins. Rescue workers from China are searching for hundreds of people missing since the disaster, which destroyed the main border crossing and killed over 1,300 people on both sides. The five-story Chinese customs building that once stood at the border is no longer visible, with only a portion of a nearby water tower still standing.
Rescue efforts are divided into seven zones, with three zones still to be searched. The mudslide, caused by a glacier collapse on the Nepal side, has also affected around 5,000 people who are still classified as missing, including 261 foreigners from 23 countries. The only land route into Gyirong was restored by Wednesday morning, allowing China to bring heavy equipment for recovery and rebuilding.
The border crossing has become a crucial Hindu pilgrimage site, with many Hindus traveling through Nepal to reach Mount Kailash, a revered site in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- No trace of once-busy China-Nepal border port after mudslide freemalaysiatoday.com