A major mudslide in Tibet near the China-Nepal border has left 558 people missing, including 260 foreign nationals, while rescue teams continue searching for survivors, Chinese state media reported Thursday.
Three people have been confirmed dead after a huge mass of mud and debris swept through buildings on the Chinese side of the border on Wednesday morning.
More than 1,000 rescuers have been deployed to the disaster zone, using search dogs, drones and specialised equipment to look for people trapped under the debris. Surveillance footage showed people running as the mud surged through the area.
The risk of further disasters has complicated rescue operations.
Officials warned that an unstable reservoir lake upstream, narrow mountain roads and continued rainfall could hamper efforts and trigger additional landslides or rockfalls.
Li Qipu, a member of China’s paramilitary People’s Armed Police, said access to the main disaster area remained difficult because large vehicles and heavy machinery could not reach the site.
Nearly 800 personnel and more than 150 vehicles have been sent to the border region, according to China`s state news agency Xinhua.
The fire service has deployed 431 personnel, along with search dogs, life-detection equipment and small boats.
Civilian and military aircraft have also transported relief supplies to Tibet, state media reported.
While roads around the affected area remain open, authorities are using alternative routes to deliver supplies and equipment from the rear.
The disaster comes after heavy overnight rainfall, which has increased concerns over further landslides and falling rocks in the mountainous region.
The Tibet Autonomous Region is generally difficult for foreign journalists to access, with international media usually allowed to visit only through government-organised trips.
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