China Steps Up Rescue Efforts After Deadly Kerung Landslide

A team of foreign journalists has visited the Kerung (Gyirong) border area between China and Nepal to assess the situation and ongoing rescue efforts following the devastating landslide on August 26. The landslide, triggered by glacier collapse in the high Himalayan region, caused extensive damage along the border. According to Chinese authorities, 43 people have been confirmed dead while 519 remain missing, including 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries. More than 2,500 rescuers, 500 vehicles, and 9,000 rescue equipment units have been mobilized. Authorities have also conducted over 1,000 drone flights and air-dropped 5.43 tonnes of relief supplies. China has provided assistance to 1,720 Nepali residents stranded after the border closure and helped 3,388 foreign nationals travel toward their destinations through alternative routes. China is also sharing weather, hydrological, and glacier-related data with Nepal and has sent emergency relief supplies, tunnel rescue specialists, DNA experts, and other technical teams at Nepal’s request.