Tibet Glacier Collapse Kills 3, Leaves 558 Missing Near Nepal Border
A glacier collapse in Tibet caused deadly floods and mudslides, killing three and leaving 558 missing near the Nepal-China border.
At least three people have died and 558 remain missing after a glacier collapse triggered catastrophic flooding and mudslides in Tibet's Gyirong County, near the Nepal-China border. The disaster struck on Wednesday, burying parts of the Gyirong Port area under thick debris.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that mud deposits in the affected zone average more than 1.5 meters (5 feet) deep, with some road sections buried under over 2 meters (6 feet) of sludge. The main road leading to the border crossing has been completely destroyed, severely hampering rescue operations.
Aerial footage showed a barrier lake formed after debris and sediment blocked a river, adding to the danger. Authorities warned that continued rainfall could trigger secondary collapses or landslides. Electricity and communication links to the port remain cut off, though services have been restored in central Gyirong town.
In response, Chinese authorities dispatched a large military transport aircraft carrying a rescue team to the region. The Sichuan Provincial Department of Emergency Management also sent an emergency communications drone on a cross-regional support mission. The drone is conducting damage assessments and providing aerial technical support for ground search-and-rescue efforts.