Gyirong County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region is expected to see more rainfall over the next three days, posing challenges to the ongoing rescue efforts following a deadly mudslide, according to China's National Meteorological Center.
A fast-moving chain mudslide, triggered by a high-altitude glacier collapse in Nepal, struck Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border in Xizang on Aug. 26. Twenty-one people have been confirmed dead and 541 others remain missing, according to the regional government's latest update.
The forecast predicts small to moderate rain and locally heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by cloudy conditions with showers on Friday, mainly at night.
Rainfall for Gyirong Zangbo, Donglin Zangbo and Purepuqiang Zangbo river basins is expected to reach 13 to 16 millimeters over the next three days.
According to long-term records, the rainy season in Gyirong runs from May to September, with early September still in the latter part of the rainy season.
The area typically sees cloudy or showery weather with prominent nighttime rainfall, and precipitation in low-altitude river valleys in the south may be stronger. The high altitude and large day-night temperature difference also make mornings and evenings cold.
Road access to the mudslide-hit Gyirong Port was basically restored on Wednesday morning, facilitating the entry of more rescuers and machinery to assist in a large-scale search for the hundreds of people still missing.
Aerial footage showed multiple pieces of equipment arriving at the port's joint inspection building to carry out search work.
More rain poses challenges to ongoing rescue efforts in Xizang's Gyirong Port
