China Shows High-Level Concern over Rasuwa-Kerung Floods, Xi Jinping Orders Rescue and Risk Reduction

Dragon Media News Desk

China has expressed high-level concern over the floods and landslides affecting Rasuwa in Nepal and the Kerung area on the Chinese side, with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang issuing instructions to prioritize search and rescue, relief operations and measures to reduce further risks.

According to Xinhua, a landslide occurred at around 10:30 am on Wednesday near the Kerung port area in Kerung County, under Shigatse City in the Xizang Autonomous Region, close to the Nepal side of the border.

Following the incident, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, instructed authorities to place the search and rescue of missing people at the top of the agenda, immediately relocate people at risk to safer areas and ensure prompt treatment for the injured in order to minimize casualties.

Xi also called for strengthened disaster monitoring and early-warning systems, scientifically organized rescue operations and precautionary measures to prevent secondary disasters.

Noting that China is currently in a critical period for flood control, Xi urged all regions and relevant authorities to effectively implement measures against floods and storms. He also called for intensified identification and reduction of hidden risks to prevent major disasters and accidents.

Premier Li Qiang separately instructed authorities to quickly determine the number of missing and affected people following the floods and landslides in the Kerung area and to mobilize sufficient personnel for rescue and relief operations.

Li stressed the need to relocate people in danger in an orderly and timely manner, use scientific methods in rescue operations and pay particular attention to preventing further disasters.

He also instructed China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen communication and coordination with Nepal and ensure the timely exchange of information on the situation. Li said rescue and disaster-management efforts related to the cross-border emergency should be handled properly through necessary coordination between the two countries.

Li further directed the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and other relevant agencies to conduct comprehensive inspections of disaster risks across the country, strengthen monitoring and early-warning systems and effectively implement measures to safeguard people’s lives.

With flooding from the Rasuwa area affecting the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems in Nepal and damaging infrastructure downstream, the direct involvement of China’s president and premier highlights the seriousness of the cross-border disaster and the need for close Nepal-China coordination.