Keelung: A mudslide at Keelung Pass has resulted in the deaths of 21 people, with 2,300 rescue workers mobilized to search for those still missing. The government of the Xizang Autonomous Region in southwestern China reported that the incident occurred at the Keelung border crossing between China and Nepal, causing severe disruption in the area.
According to Thai News Agency, the mudslide, which took place on August 26, has had a significant impact on the surrounding infrastructure, affecting buildings, the power system, and National Highway G216. This highway is a critical access route to the border crossing, and the damage has made rescue efforts challenging. However, officials have managed to reopen the highway to traffic as of 10:00 AM on September 2nd, allowing heavy machinery to enter the disaster area and bolster search and rescue operations.
Chinese authorities have deployed approximately 2,300 rescue personnel, over 400 search and rescue vehicles, and more than 8,000 sets of specialized equipment to aid in the operation. Additionally, they have conducted over 800 drone flights and 24 helicopter flights to transport personnel and deliver essential materials and equipment into the area. Over 5.43 tons of supplies have been parachuted in to support rescue teams working in inaccessible locations.
Search and rescue teams, consisting of around 336 rescue workers, have carried out multiple comprehensive searches of the main disaster area, covering approximately 1.591 million square meters. So far, they have recovered 847 personal belongings of the victims.
Local authorities are also prioritizing coordination with the families affected by the tragedy. They have received 876 calls from relatives of the deceased and missing individuals, ensuring prompt responses to requests and continuous support for the affected families.