Mudslide restricts traffic near border port in SW China's Xizang

LHASA - Two-way temporary traffic restrictions have been put in place on roads leading to Gyirong Port in southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, after a mudslide struck near the border port on Wednesday morning, local traffic authorities said.

All routes from Gyirong town to the port are closed to vehicles except for emergency and rescue operations until further notice, according to local authorities.

The restrictions were imposed after the mudslide rendered roads in the port area unsafe for travel, and cut off road links, communications and power supplies to the Chinese side of the port, the emergency management bureau of Gyirong county in Shigatse city said.

The mudslide, which occurred on the Nepalese side, caused severe casualties and left people unaccounted for at Gyirong Port.

The local meteorological observatory forecasts continued rainfall across the county from Wednesday evening through Sunday, warning of possible floods, landslides and other secondary disasters in low-lying areas.

Gyirong Port is a major land port linking China and Nepal.