The number of missing people has risen sharply to 558 in the wake of a massive landslide that struck Gyirong County in Xigaze, Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region, southwestern China.

According to China Central Television (CCTV) on the 27th, casualties confirmed from the landslide that occurred the previous day stood at 3 dead and 558 missing as of 8 a.m. local time today.

Compared to the figures reported as of 8 p.m. the previous day, which recorded 3 dead and 265 missing, the number of missing people more than doubled overnight.

Among the 558 missing persons identified so far, 260 are foreign nationals.

It has not yet been confirmed whether any South Korean nationals were affected.

An official at the South Korean Embassy in China said, "Regarding the Tibet landslide, no reports of distress involving our citizens have been received so far," adding, "We are in contact with the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xizang Autonomous Region to check for any casualties in preparation for potential situations."

The official added, "Since Tibet is a region with restricted access for foreigners, we believe the possibility of South Korean casualties is low, but we are continuing further verification."

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said during a briefing today that specific information, such as the nationalities of the missing foreigners, is currently being verified, noting that "among those involved are tourists and pilgrims."

Spokesperson Lin explained, "China's rescue operations treat Chinese and foreign nationals equally, and China is maintaining communication with the embassies of the relevant countries stationed in China to keep them informed of the situation."

According to Chinese authorities, the landslide occurred around 10:30 a.m. the previous day on the Nepal side and swept through areas of Gyirong County in Xigaze, Xizang Autonomous Region, near the China-Nepal border.

Premier Li Qiang of China's State Council, entrusted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, arrived at the site this afternoon to direct emergency rescue and disaster relief operations.

Premier Li also comforted rescue workers and displaced residents.

With rain forecasted for the region, concerns are growing over disruptions to rescue and search operations, as well as the increasing possibility of additional damages such as floods.

China's Ministry of Water Resources activated a Level 4 emergency response for flood defense at 1 p.m. today and is monitoring rainfall conditions and water levels.

Over the next three days, the volume of water expected to additionally flow into the barrier lake (a lake formed when a landslide or similar event blocks a waterway) is projected to reach 3 million cubic meters, indicating a high risk of further collapses and downstream flooding.

This is equivalent to about 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The water level is expected to reach its peak flow on the 1st of next month.

As of this morning, the estimated water storage of the barrier lake was about 200 cubic meters.

Spokesperson Lin stated, "This landslide has resulted in numerous casualties and missing persons in both China and Nepal," adding, "Nearly 100 Chinese nationals are missing in the affected areas on the Nepal side, and the Chinese Embassy in Nepal is conducting further verification with Nepal."

He added, "China is closely communicating and cooperating with Nepal to jointly carry out rescue operations and will provide emergency aid according to Nepal's needs."

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to President Xi over the disaster.

According to Russia's Sputnik news agency, the Kremlin released a condolence message from President Putin today expressing sincere sympathies over the tragic losses and wishing a speedy recovery to all the injured.

(Photo: CCTV capture, Yonhap News)