Rescuers battle terrain, weather after deadly China-Nepal border mudslide

Rescue operations are continuing around the clock after a glacier collapse on the Nepalese side triggered a massive mudslide that struck Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Wednesday morning. However, the challenging terrain and weather conditions are severely hampering relief efforts.

Officials have identified four major obstacles complicating the rescue mission. The mudslide's vertical drop is approximately 3,300 meters, an extremely rare combination of fall height and velocity that has created a devastating disaster. The avalanche carried debris across a 20-kilometer path, dramatically expanding the search area.

Ground access has been cut off as two main roads leading to Gyirong Port were washed out, preventing personnel, equipment, and supplies from reaching the affected zone quickly. Additionally, the narrow canyon, with some sections only three meters wide, makes it nearly impossible for heavy equipment to enter.

Aerial operations are also being hindered by high-altitude winds, persistent rain, and fog, further complicating the already difficult rescue efforts.

On the Chinese side, 16 people have been confirmed dead and 546 others remain missing as of 18:00 Saturday, according to the regional government. Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 734 bodies had been recovered from mudslide-hit areas on the Nepalese side as of 09:00 local time on Sunday, with 2,498 people still missing.