China, August 27 – A preliminary assessment by China says an earthquake on the Nepali side triggered an ice avalanche and subsequent mudslides that caused major casualties and left people missing on both sides of the Gyirong-Rasuwagadhi border.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming said the Chinese side was deeply saddened by the disaster and expressed condolences to those killed and sympathy to their families and the people of Nepal.
Speaking to NTV World, Zhang said China was closely coordinating with Nepal on rescue and response efforts and would provide support and assistance as needed.
He said Chinese President Xi Jinping had instructed authorities to prioritize the search and rescue of missing people, relocation of those at risk, treatment of the injured and measures to prevent secondary disasters.
Following the flood, the Chinese Embassy activated its emergency response mechanism, assessed the situation of Chinese citizens and businesses in affected areas and sent a working team to coordinate rescue efforts on the ground.
Zhang said Chinese authorities, including the ministries of foreign affairs, water resources and emergency management, as well as the China Meteorological Administration and Xizang Autonomous Region authorities, were coordinating with their Nepali counterparts on disaster assessment, search and rescue, and follow-up response.
Despite significant losses on the Chinese side, China has begun arranging emergency supplies and cash assistance for Nepal, he said.
Zhang also called for stronger Nepal-China cooperation on disaster monitoring, early warning, emergency rescue, technical exchanges and preparedness to reduce the impact of future disasters.
