Seventeen people are missing following devastating mudslides near the Gyirong port in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, a critical trade and travel gateway between the Chinese mainland and Nepal. Local authorities confirmed on Tuesday that 11 individuals remain unaccounted for on the Chinese side, while six Chinese construction workers are missing in adjacent areas of Nepal.
Rescue teams from Xizang have mobilized heavy machinery to clear debris blocking mountain roads, with operations complicated by ongoing rainfall and unstable terrain. The region has experienced unusually heavy monsoon rains this season, raising concerns about further geological hazards.
The incident highlights the environmental challenges facing infrastructure projects in high-altitude border regions. Gyirong port serves as a vital link for cross-border trade between China and Nepal, handling over 70% of bilateral commerce. Business analysts suggest temporary disruptions could affect regional supply chains, though long-term impacts remain uncertain.
Authorities have issued advisories for travelers and transport operators using the China-Nepal Highway, a popular route for cultural explorers and trade convoys. The situation underscores the need for sustainable development strategies in ecologically fragile zones along Asia's key economic corridors.
