Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Tibet Mudslide Leaves Three Dead, 558 Missing, Rescue Intensifies
A huge wall of mud and rocks fell into a river near the Nepal-Tibet border.
The collapse caused a fast and powerful flood.
Buildings, roads and other structures were damaged or swept away.
Chinese authorities said three people died and 558 were missing on the Tibet side.
The missing included 260 foreign nationals.
More than 1,000 rescuers are searching with dogs and drones.
Two people were rescued, and nearby villages were evacuated for safety.
Rescuers are worried that rain, unstable mountain roads and a lake upstream could cause more flooding or landslides.
Chinese authorities reported three deaths and 558 people missing in Tibet, including 260 foreign nationals.
A wall of mud and rock collapsed into a river near Gyirong on August 26, triggering a flash flood.
More than 1,000 rescuers, supported by dogs and drones, are searching for survivors.
Two villagers were rescued, while nearby villages in danger zones were evacuated.
An unstable upstream dammed lake, narrow roads and continued rainfall are complicating rescue efforts and raising the risk of further disasters.
- Who
- Chinese authorities, police, armed forces and more than 1,000 rescuers are responding; 558 people were reported missing, including 260 foreign nationals.
- What
- A mudslide caused a flash flood that killed three people on the Tibetan side, left hundreds missing and damaged buildings, roads and power projects.
- When
- The collapse occurred on the morning of August 26; the updated missing-person figure was reported on August 27.
- Where
- Near Gyirong at the Nepal-Tibet border, with the disaster site linked to the Rasuwagadhi border point and nearby rivers.
- Why
- A wall of mud and rock collapsed into a river, while continuing rainfall and an unstable upstream dammed lake increased the risk of further disasters.
- Deaths in Tibet
- 3
- People missing
- 558
- Foreign nationals missing
- 260
- People rescued
- 2
- Search force
- More than 1,000 rescuers
- Search equipment
- Dogs and drones
- Main risks
- An unstable upstream lake, narrow mountain roads, rainfall, landslides and rockfalls
