Nepal–China Society Appeals for Protective Role by Both Governments, Calls for Joint Early-Warning Mechanism

Dragon Media Correspondent

The Nepal–China Mutual Cooperation Society has expressed deep sorrow over the extensive human and material losses caused by the severe floods and landslides in the Rasuwa–Gyirong region and has urged the governments of Nepal and, in particular, China to play a protective, responsible and generous role in rescue, relief, medical treatment and rehabilitation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Society said the unexpected disaster affecting Gyirong in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region and the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river system through Nepal’s Rasuwa district had caused widespread damage to lives, roads, bridges, electricity systems, telecommunications, hydropower projects, markets, settlements and trade-related infrastructure on both sides of the border.

The Society paid tribute to those who lost their lives and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery and called for the search and rescue of citizens, security personnel, tourists, government employees and workers at various projects and businesses who remain missing or out of contact to be given the highest priority.

It urged the Government of Nepal to mobilize all available state resources and institutions in an integrated manner for search and rescue, treatment, relief, temporary shelter and rehabilitation. The Society also called for immediate livelihood assistance to affected families and the rapid restoration of essential services, including roads, bridges, electricity, telecommunications and drinking water.

The Society welcomed the high-level attention shown by China, including directives from President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang and the rapid mobilization of Chinese disaster-response mechanisms. It also described China’s instruction to strengthen communication and coordination with Nepal as an important step in cross-border disaster management.

The Society particularly appealed to the Chinese government to share, where necessary, its rescue capacity, technical expertise, medical support, relief supplies, equipment and reconstruction experience with Nepal.

It also called for timely information regarding Nepali citizens, Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, tourists, traders and others who may be in Gyirong and surrounding areas, and for coordinated rescue operations where required.

The Society said the Gyirong–Rasuwagadhi corridor is an important route for Nepal–China trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. After the immediate priority of saving lives, the two countries should therefore prepare a special joint plan for restoring damaged border infrastructure.

The statement also said the disaster had highlighted the urgent need for a permanent Nepal–China cross-border early-warning mechanism.

Such a mechanism, it said, should enable real-time exchange of information on rainfall, river discharge, glacial lakes, landslides and weather conditions across the Himalayan region. Timely warnings from upstream areas could provide downstream Nepali communities with crucial time to evacuate and reduce future loss of life.

As the exact cause of the flood has yet to be scientifically established, the Society called for a joint technical study involving experts from Nepal and China rather than speculation, misinformation or blame.

It stressed that the disaster should be approached through humanitarian security, scientific assessment and mutual cooperation rather than political interpretation.

“Nepal and China are close neighbors who should stand by each other not only in good times but also in times of hardship,” the Society said. “The present crisis is a moment to demonstrate the friendship between the two countries through practical action.”

The Nepal–China Mutual Cooperation Society also expressed its respect for government agencies, security and rescue personnel, medical workers, volunteers and local communities in both countries who are engaged in rescue and relief operations.

The Society said the disaster should also be used as an opportunity to strengthen long-term institutional cooperation between Nepal and China in cross-border disaster prevention, early warning and emergency response.