Nepal–Tibet Border Disaster: Hundreds Missing After Catastrophic Flash Flood
GYIRONG/KATHMANDU — A catastrophic flash flood and mudslide tore through the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China’s Tibet on Wednesday morning, engulfing communities, destroying critical infrastructure and striking Gyirong Port, one of the most important crossings between the two countries.
Dramatic security footage from the border shows people running as a wall of mud, rock and water surges toward the checkpoint, swallowing buildings and vehicles within seconds. Chinese authorities have reported “major casualties” and missing people at Gyirong Port, although Beijing has not yet released a confirmed casualty count for the Chinese side. Roads into the area have been severed, while electricity and communications have also been disrupted.