Specialised rescue teams from India, China and the United States are conducting tunnel rescue attempts following severe flooding in Nepal, with China’s official toll reporting 16 dead and 546 missing as of Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
These numbers are expected to be updated as China reopened the sole road to the Gyirong border crossing into Nepal on Wednesday, enhancing access for heavy machinery towards the disaster zone for the first time.
A significant number of heavy machines have reached the site, where a previous border inspection complex existed, accompanied by equipment to bolster search operations, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Tibet disaster zone becomes accessible
CCTV footage displays rescue teams and excavators in action, revealing that crews equipped with life-detection devices and search dogs are now deployed to the area. However, progress is impeded by continual rain and difficult terrain, requiring work in a narrow mountain gorge situated between unstable cliffs and a swift river.
China’s reported number of missing persons includes 104 Indians, 49 Nepalese citizens, and 33 Latvians, likely part of two separate tourist groups. The majority of the Indian nationals were visiting Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, significant pilgrimage locations for Hindus.
In response, Beijing plans to send additional DNA identification experts alongside emergency supplies such as Bailey bridges, mortuary refrigerators, and communication equipment to assist Nepal in its rescue and relief operations.
Survivors try to salvage lives
In the affected areas of Nepal, residents navigate through what were once bustling villages, attempting to reclaim salvaged belongings. “My husband and I were able to escape safely. But we could not pick up anything,” said Shanta Sunar, a 45-year-old shopkeeper from Nuwakot. “We have lost whatever we had. But we are lucky nothing happened to us.”
