261 foreign nationals reported missing after mudslide hits border port in Xizang

A total of 261 foreign nationals remain unaccounted for after a massive mudslide hit a border port in Gyirong county, Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, local authorities said on Sunday.

The foreigners, from 23 countries, include 104 from Nepal, 49 from India, 33 from Latvia, 18 from the United States, 15 from the United Kingdom, six from Canada, six from Australia, four from South Africa, three from Russia, three from Germany, three from Malaysia, two from France, two from Ireland, two from Estonia, two from New Zealand, two from the Netherlands and one each from Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Finland, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

The figures were announced at a news conference held by the information office of the regional government, following a joint search and cross-checking of information by foreign affairs, public security, culture and tourism, and emergency management authorities.

After multiple rounds of inspections and population verification at the border port, no foreign tourists remain in Gyirong county, said Zhao Peng, vice-chairman of Xizang.

He noted that information on the foreign nationals has been reported to the relevant embassies, and that two 24-hour English-language hotlines — 0086-891-6817165 and 0086-18308026705 — have been setup for the families of the missing.

Zhao, who also serves as deputy head of the disaster's emergency and rescue command headquarters, added that the sudden and severe mudslide inflicted extensive damage on infrastructure and personnel records in the affected area, significantly hampering tracing and inspection efforts.

According to him, the foreign nationals currently registered in the county are primarily Nepali border residents, cross-border vehicle crews, and Nepali individuals in international marriages, all of whom are safe.

"For Nepali border residents wishing to return to their home country, we will carry out transfer, transportation, and customs clearance processes in a careful and orderly manner," he said. "For those who voluntarily choose to stay in Xizang, we will provide security and living support."

He emphasized that staff members will consistently respect the wishes and reasonable demands of the Nepali side, adhering to the principles of friendly consultation and prioritizing humanitarian needs.

A thorough evaluation, he said, will also be conducted to assess the departure needs of foreign tourists in Xizang, facilitating their exit through ports in Lhasa, Burang and Zhangmu, with a commitment to ensuring their safe and smooth departure.

Additionally, he added, communication with embassies in China will be strengthened to report on work progress in a timely manner.