Nearly 100 citizens missing after flash floods, Chinese PM visits disaster site
Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the area affected by flash floods and mudslides in Gyirong County, Shigatse City, Tibet, on Thursday (27/8). Chinese state media reported that, on the assignment of President Xi Jinping, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, together with officials from relevant agencies, arrived at the disaster area on Thursday afternoon. Premier Li Qiang came to direct emergency response and disaster relief efforts, as well as to visit rescue workers and affected residents who have been placed at evacuation sites, according to the report.
Devastating flash floods occurred on Wednesday (26/8) at around 10.30 local time and triggered mudslides near the China-Nepal border. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that nearly 100 of its citizens were reported missing due to the disaster. “In the disaster-affected area in Nepal, nearly 100 Chinese nationals have been reported missing. The Chinese Embassy in Nepal is currently conducting further verification with the Nepalese government and has issued a consular advisory,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
Lin Jian said that in rescue operations, the Chinese government treats Chinese nationals and foreign nationals without distinction. China also continues to communicate with the embassies of relevant countries in China and provide information on the developing situation. “We once again remind Chinese nationals in the area to evacuate immediately to safe locations and be alert to the possibility of subsequent disasters. If assistance is needed, please contact the Chinese Embassy in Nepal immediately. The Embassy will make every effort to provide assistance,” Lin Jian added.
The Chinese government, Lin Jian said, expressed sincere sympathy to the Nepalese government and the people affected by the disaster. According to Nepalese police, as of 27 August at 13.30 local time, the death toll from the flash floods in Nepal had risen to 270 people. “According to the initial information we have, there are tourists and pilgrims among those unaccounted for. To be more specific, as I just mentioned, we are awaiting further verification, which is still ongoing due to conditions on the ground,” Lin Jian said.