A Chinese rescue team has reached the devastated Gyirong border crossing complex for the first time, finding 'nothing but ruins' after deadly flooding struck the Himalayas, as Nepal and China continue arduous rescue operations.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- A Chinese rescue team reached the Gyirong border crossing complex for the first time and found 'nothing but ruins'.
- Surveillance footage showed torrents of water and debris engulfing buildings and people on Wednesday.
- Rescuers were only able to reach the worst-hit area on Friday.
- Nepal is seeking help to identify and store the dead.
- Nepal and China continue arduous search and rescue operations in the flood-hit Himalayas.
A Chinese rescue team has reached the all-but-obliterated Gyirong border crossing complex for the first time, finding ‘nothing but ruins’ as Nepal and China continue their arduous rescue operations in the flood-hit Himalayas, according to the Guardian.
Surveillance camera footage from the worst-hit Gyirong border crossing complex showed huge torrents of water and debris on Wednesday engulfing buildings and people trying to flee the area.
Despite the disaster striking on Wednesday, rescuers were only able to reach the area on Friday, underscoring the difficulty of operating in the remote and heavily damaged Himalayan terrain.
Nepal is seeking help to identify and store the dead, the Guardian reported, pointing to the scale of the losses at the border crossing complex.
Both Nepal and China are continuing search and rescue operations across the flood-hit region, with efforts described as arduous as teams work through the destruction.
Why it matters
The flooding has devastated a key crossing point between Nepal and Tibet, causing loss of life and severe damage in a remote mountain region. The scale of destruction and the need for outside help to identify and store the dead highlight the ongoing risks communities face from disasters in the Himalayas.
Frequently asked questions
When did the flooding hit the Gyirong border crossing?
Surveillance footage showed torrents of water and debris engulfing buildings and people on Wednesday, according to the Guardian.
Why did it take so long for rescuers to reach the area?
Rescuers were only able to reach the worst-hit Gyirong area on Friday, reflecting the arduous conditions of the flood-hit Himalayan terrain, the Guardian reported.
What help is Nepal seeking?
According to the Guardian, Nepal is seeking help to identify and store the dead following the disaster.
Timeline
- Chinese rescuers find ‘nothing but ruins’ at border crossing as Nepal seeks help to ID and store the dead
The Guardian World: Nepal and China continue arduous search and rescue operations in flood-hit Himalayas Visual guide: how the deadly flooding unfolded Nepal-Tibet flash flood – latest updates A Chinese rescue team has reached the all-but-obliterated Gyirong border crossing complex for the first tim