Gyirong Port mudslide leaves hundreds missing near China-Nepal border

A massive mudslide and flash flooding at the Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border in the Xizang Autonomous Region has resulted in significant casualties and missing persons. As of late August 2026, reports indicate at least five people are dead, with hundreds still missing, including approximately 260 foreign nationals.

The disaster has created a natural barrier lake containing an estimated 2 million cubic meters of water. China’s Ministry of Water Resources has activated a Level IV flood emergency response due to the high risk of this lake breaching, which could send massive volumes of water downstream toward Gyirong and other settlements.

Rescue operations are underway involving hundreds of firefighters and specialized teams using drones, helicopters, and boats to navigate the remote, mountainous terrain. While several nations, including India, the United States, and South Korea, have offered search-and-rescue assistance, Nepal’s foreign ministry stated that the country is currently managing its own rescue efforts and does not require foreign intervention at this time.