Countries of Missing Foreigners Announced in Himalayan Landslide Disaster
China announced that 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries are missing in the disaster on the Tibet side bordering Nepal. The death toll in Tibet has risen to 16.
Following the severe mudflow triggered by the collapse of glaciers in the Himalayan region, which affected both countries, Chinese authorities shared the nationality breakdown of foreign nationals missing on the Tibet border. On the Nepal side, hundreds of deaths and thousands of missing persons have been reported.
Distribution of Missing Foreign Nationals
At a press conference organized by authorities in China's Tibet Autonomous Region, it was announced that the highest number of missing foreigners in the disaster belongs to Nepal with 104 people. The list also stated that 49 Indians, 33 Latvians, 18 Americans, and 15 British citizens could not be found.
Glacier Collapse and Loss of Life
As a result of the collapse of a glacier on Wednesday, ice, rocks, mud, and debris filled riverbeds. Authorities noted that as of Saturday evening, 16 people had lost their lives in Gyirong County and 546 people were missing.
Situation in Nepal and Rescue Operations
The Nepal disaster authority reported that at least 675 people lost their lives on the country's border side, 2,498 people were missing, and 7,514 people were rescued. Due to rising water levels in the Trishuli River, residents and teams were directed to higher ground.
Cause of the Disaster is Global Warming
According to reports by China's state television CCTV, the disaster resulted from glacier instability as a long-term effect of global warming. Scientists determined that the mudflow reached the border crossing on the Nepal side in six to seven minutes.
International Aid and Cooperation
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that this was the most severe cross-border disaster in recent years. While deploying more than 2,100 emergency rescue workers, China continues to provide financial and technical support to Nepal.