Beijing: Following a series of devastating landslides and flash floods in Nepal, China has escalated its disaster management response. Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued direct instructions for authorities to launch comprehensive search and rescue operations to locate missing persons and minimize casualties.
The catastrophic landslides, which struck at approximately 10:30 AM on August 26, caused massive destruction in Nepal and resulted in significant damage and casualties at the Gyirong border port in China’s southwestern Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region.
Addressing the crisis, President Xi ordered the immediate evacuation of individuals from high-risk and affected zones. He emphasized the critical need to provide timely medical assistance to the injured to curb further loss of life. Highlighting the ongoing flood control challenges during this crucial season, Xi also mandated the strengthening of monitoring and early warning systems to prevent secondary disasters caused by the aftermath of floods and landslides.
“Local administrations and relevant departments must prepare for the worst-case scenarios and extreme weather conditions,” Xi stated, directing officials to rigorously implement flood and storm protection measures.
Echoing these directives, Chinese Premier Li Qiang ordered swift verification of the number of missing and affected individuals, urging full force in the relief efforts. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has been tasked with strengthening communication and coordination with neighboring countries to ensure unified disaster management. Furthermore, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has arrived at the affected sites with a team of officials to personally oversee the rescue and relief operations, with the Xizang local administration deploying massive rescue contingents.
Meanwhile, in Nepal, rescue missions have intensified following a massive flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River. Authorities confirmed that 114 people trapped in the deluge have been successfully airlifted to safety through coordinated efforts by the Nepalese Army and private helicopter services.
According to Nepal Police, military helicopters rescued 85 people from various regions, including 60 from Timure-Dhunche and others from Timure-Trishuli, Mailung, and Betrawati. Private aviation companies, including Kailash, Simrik, Annapurna, Fishtail, Everest, and Prabhu Helicopters, played a pivotal role, collectively airlifting 29 individuals, many of whom were rushed to the Teaching Hospital and Bir Hospital in Kathmandu.
The Nepalese Army, local police, and private operators remain actively engaged in relentless search and rescue operations across the treacherous terrains as they comb for survivors.