Death Toll from Gyirong Landslide in Xizang Rises to 43, with 519 Still Missing

Dragon Media News Desk

The death toll from the devastating landslide that struck Gyirong County in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on August 26 has risen to 43, according to the latest available reports. Another 519 people remain missing, while two individuals have been rescued alive during extensive search and rescue operations.

The disaster reportedly affected 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries, whose whereabouts remain uncertain. Chinese authorities have continued deploying rescue personnel, technical specialists and emergency equipment to the affected areas as efforts to locate missing people remain underway.

Following the disaster, the Chinese government has prioritized humanitarian assistance and technical cooperation with Nepal alongside its domestic search and rescue operations. Specialists experienced in underground tunnel rescue, DNA identification experts and emergency response equipment have been dispatched to Nepal, strengthening cross-border cooperation in disaster management.

China has also provided 320 tonnes of Bailey bridge components to support the restoration of damaged transportation infrastructure and improve access to disaster-affected communities. Additional humanitarian relief supplies have been mobilized. The bridge components are expected to facilitate the restoration of disrupted road connections and support ongoing relief and reconstruction activities.

The landslide in Gyirong has highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness, transportation connectivity and emergency response capabilities in the border regions of China and Nepal. As the search for missing people continues, Chinese authorities remain engaged in rescue operations, humanitarian assistance and the restoration of damaged infrastructure.