A massive landslide near the border between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Nepal has left hundreds missing and caused widespread casualties, prompting local authorities to launch an emergency response by deploying hundreds of rescue personnel to the scene.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television (CCTV), the landslide occurred from the Nepalese side at around 10:30 a.m. on the 26th at the Gyirong Port in Gyirong County, Xigaze, Tibet Autonomous Region. As of 8:00 p.m. local time, 3 people were confirmed dead and 265 are missing.

CCTV, citing statements from the frontline command headquarters at the scene, reported that the specific number of casualties is still being verified and rescue operations are currently underway.

Regarding the cause of the incident, China's Ministry of Natural Resources explained that an avalanche presumed to have originated on the Nepalese side may have triggered a chain of secondary disasters.

As a result, roads, communication networks, and power grids leading to the affected area have all been cut off. Authorities decided to completely close the road from Gyirong toward the Nepal border in both directions for seven days starting today for safety reasons.

In the afternoon of the same day, authorities dispatched experts to the site to support rescue operations and prevent secondary disasters as part of emergency response measures.

China's Ministry of Emergency Management urgently dispatched 249 national comprehensive fire and rescue personnel and 325 professional rescue workers, along with communication and aeromagnetic survey equipment to restore site communications and assist in rescue operations.

Separately, China AnNeng, a state-owned enterprise specializing in disaster relief and infrastructure construction, organized a 200-member team consisting of geological, engineering, and rescue experts as well as rescue personnel.

Local media reported that they headed to the affected area equipped with 120 pieces of equipment, including multi-functional reconnaissance drones, 3D laser scanners, life detectors, and heavy engineering rescue equipment, while an additional 100 backup rescue workers are preparing for deployment.

The Chinese military and armed police have also launched rescue operations.

According to reports, as of 5:00 p.m. that day, the Tibet Military Command had sent a frontline command team and emergency rescue troops to the site, while over 130 troops and engineering equipment from the Xigaze Military Sub-command were ready for dispatch.

More than 140 officers and soldiers from the Xigaze detachment of the Tibet Armed Police Corps also headed to the scene equipped with specialized disaster relief equipment.

Following the accident, Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed all-out efforts to minimize casualties.

President Xi emphasized the need to "strengthen monitoring and early warning, focus on scientific rescue, and prevent secondary disasters," while calling for thorough inspections and rectifications to prevent major disasters and accidents.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also instructed authorities to quickly ascertain the number of missing and affected people, mobilize rescue capabilities to conduct emergency rescue operations, and ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen communication and coordination with relevant countries.

(Photo: Captured from CCTV, Yonhap News)