Tibet flash flood toll rises to 21, with 541 still missing near Nepal border

Beijing,UPDATED: Sep 2, 2026 20:06 IST

The death toll from the flash flood that hit Gyirong county in Tibet near the Nepal border last week has risen to 21, while 541 people are still missing, Chinese officials said on Wednesday. The missing, according to figures released on August 30, include 261 foreigners from 22 countries, among them 49 Indians.

Chinese officials also said nearly 100 Chinese nationals remain unaccounted for in Nepal. Beijing said it had sent more emergency supplies and DNA experts to Nepal, and was preparing a third batch of relief material at Kathmandu's request.

State-run Xinhua news agency, quoting an official briefing in Tibet, reported the updated casualty and missing figures. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing in Beijing that the second batch of emergency relief supplies provided by China reached Kathmandu on Tuesday. He said China had also sent five DNA forensic experts at Nepal's request.

Guo said China was preparing the third batch of emergency relief supplies based on Nepal's request. He said these supplies would include Bailey bridges, mortuary refrigerators, epidemic prevention supplies and emergency communication equipment. "China will also send a second group of DNA experts," he added, while saying the Nepalese side had thanked China for urgently sending more supplies and providing technical support.

Asked about glacier retreat in Tibet and whether China was open to a coordination mechanism with neighbouring countries to deal with such disasters, Guo said Beijing had shared important images, satellite and hydrological data with Kathmandu. "According to the assessment of Chinese and Nepali experts, long-term effects of global warming have made glaciers unstable, and this disaster was triggered by the collapse of a glacier in Nepal, resulting in a rapid crash of ice and rocks which took away a chunk of the mountain," he said.

He said, "China and Nepal have maintained sound cooperation in meteorology, water conservancy and disaster prevention and reduction. In the wake of the disaster, China has shared with Nepal important information such as images, satellite and hydrological data of the disaster-affected areas, including early-warning information on an upstream barrier lake." He added, "We will continue to give strong support to Nepal in its relief efforts and strengthen cooperation on disaster prevention and reduction." On glacier retreat, Guo said climate change was a common challenge facing all humanity, adding, "No country can stay immune from such risks. China will continue to work with the international community to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and effectively prevent and mitigate the negative impact of climate change. As for your specific question, I'd refer you to competent authorities." In sum, Chinese officials said the toll in the Tibet flash flood had gone up, hundreds remained missing, and China was continuing relief and technical support for Nepal.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends