Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian briefed the media on Thursday regarding China's relief efforts following a mudslide that hit a border port in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Wednesday.
The mudslide, which occurred on the Nepalese side, struck Gyirong Port in Gyirong County, Xizang, on Wednesday morning, resulting in significant casualties across the China-Nepal border.
As of 08:00 on Thursday, three people have been killed, 558 others remained missing, while two local villagers have been rescued, local authorities said.
"Relevant Chinese authorities have activated a national level-II emergency response for disaster relief. Xizang Autonomous Region has activated a level-I emergency response for natural disasters. Rescue forces from the military, armed police, border inspection, firefighting, and other relevant departments have rushed to the affected area at the earliest possible time, to join ongoing search and rescue operations," Lin said at the news briefing in Beijing.
"We are confident that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, people in the mudslide-hit area will overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes," Lin added.
"The mudslide has caused massive casualties and left many missing in both China and Nepal. The Chinese side extends heartfelt sympathies to the government of Nepal and all those hit by the disaster. The two sides are having close communication and coordinating efforts for the search and rescue. The Chinese side is ready to provide emergency assistance in light of Nepal’s need," he said.
Lin also updated the media on the situation regarding foreign nationals affected in China and Chinese citizens impacted in Nepal.
"According to the information released so far by the local Chinese authorities, a total of 260 foreign nationals remain unaccounted for in the affected areas, with more specifics pending further verification due to the conditions on the ground. For Chinese rescuers, all lives are precious, regardless of their nationalities. We are communicating with relevant foreign embassies in China to keep them updated," he said.
"As to the situation on the Nepalese side, nearly 100 Chinese nationals remain missing there. The Chinese Embassy in Nepal is seeking further verification with the Nepalese side and has put out a safety alert," Lin said.
FM spokesman briefs on China's relief efforts after mudslide hits border port in Xizang
