BEIJING, Aug 26 — A mudslide originating in Nepal caused “major casualties” and left people missing today at a trade hub in Tibet near the countries’ shared Himalayan border, Chinese state media reported.

State broadcaster CCTV said the disaster struck Gyirong Port on the Chinese side of the border, but did not disclose the number of people killed, injured or missing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an “all-out” rescue operation, according to state news agency Xinhua.

“The most urgent task is doing everything possible to search for and rescue the missing people... quickly treat injured people and minimise casualties to the greatest extent possible,” CCTV quoted Xi as saying.

Footage broadcast by CCTV showed fast-flowing water carrying tree branches and debris, as well as a flooded road, although AFP was unable to independently verify the images.

In July 2025, 17 people were reported missing following another mudslide near Gyirong Port. — AFP

Checks before publication: Monitor Chinese and Nepali official sources for confirmed casualty figures. CCTV’s footage remained unverified by AFP at the time of reporting.

Attribution: Sufficient, with the casualty information attributed directly to Chinese state media and AFP’s verification limitation clearly stated. — AFP