International Media Team Visits Mudslide-hit Gyirong County in China’s Xizang
Published September 06, 2026 | 05:00 PM
GYIRONG, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2026) The death toll from a devastating mudslide that struck Gyirong County in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Aug. 26 has risen to 43, while 519 people remain missing, local authorities said at a news conference Sunday.
The mudslide caused extensive damage to roads, infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods in the area near the China-Nepal border, leaving affected communities facing a challenging recovery. Following the reopening of the road leading to the mudslide-hit Gyirong Port, rescuers have intensified searches in the core disaster area. As of 6 p.m. Friday, two people had been rescued and 993 personal belongings had been recovered, according to local authorities.
Authorities stated that 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries remain unaccounted for following the disaster.
Meanwhile, an international media team, comprising journalists from the United States, Britain, Russia, India, Brazil, Pakistan, and other countries, visited Gyirong to document the impact of the mudslide. The journalists inspected damaged areas, engaged with local residents and rescue personnel, and witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by communities affected by the disaster.
At Nepal’s request, the Chinese government has deployed tunnel rescue and DNA experts to Nepal and provided emergency supplies to support rescue and identification efforts. The government of Xizang has also supplied Nepal with 320 tonnes of Bailey bridge components and other disaster-relief materials, authorities added.
Rescue and recovery operations continue, with a focus on thorough searches in affected areas while restoration of transportation links, assistance to residents, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure are being pursued.
The disaster has highlighted the severe human and environmental consequences of natural disasters in the border region, while also showcasing the resilience of local communities and the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.