Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out search, rescue and relief operation after flash floods and a mudslide struck areas near the China-Nepal border, causing casualties and leaving people missing. The disaster affected the Gyirong border port, where authorities have launched emergency response operations amid concerns over further risks.

Xi directed authorities to evacuate residents in danger, provide timely medical treatment to the injured and take all necessary measures to reduce casualties. He also called for stronger monitoring and early-warning systems, scientifically planned rescue operations and precautions against secondary disasters in the affected areas.

The mudslide occurred around 10:30 am on Wednesday at Gyirong border port in Gyirong County, according to state-run Xinhua news agency. Drone footage released by Chinese official media showed several buildings at the port buried under debris. Communications in parts of the disaster-hit area were also reported to have been disrupted, making rescue and assessment efforts more difficult.

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A total of 145 officers and soldiers from the Xigaze detachment of the People's Armed Police have been deployed to the affected border port to assist with emergency response and rescue operations. Local authorities have also sent personnel to the disaster zone as they work to assess the extent of the destruction and locate people who may be trapped or missing.

The disaster occurred alongside devastating flash floods in Nepal's Rasuwa area, which borders China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The floods swept through settlements along the river and damaged several hydropower projects, while at least four people were reported dead in Nepal. Nearly 400 people were reported missing, including at least 105 Indians and 37 non-resident Indians, according to reports.

The Chinese Embassy in Nepal activated its emergency response mechanism following the flooding and began assessing the situation of Chinese citizens and enterprises in the affected region. The embassy urged Nepalese authorities and relevant agencies to intensify rescue operations and issued a fresh safety advisory to Chinese citizens and institutions in Nepal. The developments have prompted heightened emergency measures on both sides of the China-Nepal border.

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