Mudslides, floods strike Gyirong border, casualties feared

A mudslide near Gyirong Port in Tibet’s Xizang region caused major casualties and triggered a large-scale rescue response, with authorities saying roads, communications and power were cut off on the Chinese side. The disaster prompted immediate search-and-rescue orders and a push for expedited medical treatment, as officials warned of potential secondary hazards and stressed the need for vigilant monitoring and scientific rescue methods. Across the border, Nepal faced flash floods that damaged infrastructure and raised concerns about livelihoods, as authorities warned residents in downstream areas to seek higher ground. Gyirong Port is a critical overland crossing between China and Nepal, so the disruption has broader implications for regional freight, travel, and supply lines during the monsoon season. State media and local officials have been coordinating rescue efforts, while authorities on both sides moved to assess damage and speed relief to affected communities. The incident underscores the fragility of cross-border routes in the region when extreme weather and geological hazards intersect with busy trade corridors.