China has expressed high-level concern over the floods and landslides in the Rasuwa district of Nepal and the Kerung area of China. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have directed authorities to immediately accelerate rescue, relief and disaster-risk reduction efforts in the affected areas.
According to China's state-run news agency Xinhua, a landslide occurred toward the Nepal side at around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Kerung Port area of Kerung County, under Shigatse City in Xizang (Tibet).
Following the incident, President Xi instructed authorities to make the search for missing people and rescue operations the top priority. He called for people at risk to be evacuated to safe locations immediately, injured people to receive medical treatment, and all necessary measures to be taken to minimize casualties.
Xi also directed authorities to strengthen continuous disaster monitoring and early-warning systems, conduct rescue operations scientifically, and take necessary precautions to prevent further disasters.
Noting that China is currently in a critical period for flood control, Xi instructed relevant authorities to effectively implement flood and storm-control measures and identify and mitigate potential risks and hidden dangers.
Premier Li Qiang directed authorities to immediately determine the number of people affected and missing in the floods and landslides in the Kerung area. He called for the mobilization of sufficient personnel and resources for rescue and relief operations and for people at risk to be systematically evacuated to safe areas.
Li also instructed authorities to use scientific methods in rescue operations and prioritize measures to prevent further disasters.
He further directed China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen communication and coordination with Nepal and ensure the immediate exchange of information regarding the situation.
Li emphasized the need to coordinate closely with Nepal and advance rescue and disaster-management efforts jointly in response to the incident.
