A massive mudslide originating on Nepal’s side of the China-Nepal border struck the area around Gyirong Port in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on August 26. Three people have been confirmed dead and 558 remain unaccounted for, including 260 foreign nationals. The disaster also cut off roads, power and communications, forcing authorities to evacuate residents and tourists from high-risk areas.
Chinese experts said the mudslide was triggered by a high-altitude ice avalanche in Nepal. The avalanche created a fast-moving flow of ice, rocks and debris that became a powerful mudslide as it traveled down the steep mountain terrain toward Gyirong Port.
The mudslide also blocked a river and created a barrier lake containing about 2 million cubic meters of water. Authorities are closely monitoring it because continued rainfall could cause the lake to overflow or trigger further flooding and landslides.
China has launched a large-scale rescue operation, with hundreds of emergency workers, firefighters and specialized rescue teams sent to the area. Roads and communications are gradually being restored, while hundreds of residents and more than 500 tourists have been evacuated to safety. Credit : CGTN
You can listen to the programs organized by MI Radio on Google Podcast, Apple Podcast and Spotify.
You can download MI Radio application on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
