Emergency response underway after mudslide hits Xizang

China's Xizang autonomous region activated a Level I emergency response for natural disasters on Wednesday after a mudslide that began in Nepal resulted in significant numbers of casualties and missing.

The mudslide occurred at around 10:30 am, according to the regional emergency command, eventually hitting Gyirong Port in Gyirong county, Shigatse city, close to the border with Nepal.

Authorities have launched search and rescue operations, evacuation and resettlement of affected residents, while the injured are being treated.

Monitoring for secondary disasters is being carried out, while emergency supplies are also being dispatched and rescue forces deployed to support relief work.