Mudslide-stranded Nepalese border residents in China's Xizang get assistance

GYIRONG, Xizang, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Nepalese border residents stranded by a deadly mudslide in Gyirong Town in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region have received assistance and arrangements from the Chinese side for orderly return home or continued stay.

Caused by an ice-rock avalanche in Nepal on Aug. 26, the mudslide swept through Gyirong Port in Xizang, leaving 31 people dead and 531 others missing there as of Friday afternoon. It also disrupted roads leading to the port as well as communications and power supplies on the Chinese side, leaving some Nepalese border residents stranded in the town.

Following the disaster, the Chinese government quickly activated an emergency response mechanism for the resettlement and support of foreign nationals and coordinated efforts to provide daily necessities for stranded Nepalese border residents, address their concerns and facilitate their orderly departure.

At the time of the disaster, Gyaldup Tamang, a stranded Nepalese border resident in Gyirong Town in Gyirong County, was working in a village there, and four of his relatives remained out of contact.

"I was eager to return home, but the damaged roads made it impossible to travel, and I did not know what to do for a while," he said. "Fortunately, the Chinese government offered assistance, helping with exit procedures and arranging transportation. I heard that some Nepalese compatriots have already left through Zhangmu Port."

"We can now complete exit formalities free of charge, and I plan to go through the procedures this afternoon," Gyaldup Tamang told Xinhua on Thursday.

At the Gyirong Port Branch of the Xigaze Municipal Public Security Bureau, many Nepalese border residents were seen queuing to complete exit procedures.

A staff member at the branch said those wishing to leave could complete the formalities by presenting their Nepalese identity cards and China-Nepal border crossing permits. After completing the procedures, they can take government-arranged buses to leave through alternative ports.

For those choosing to stay, local authorities have also made arrangements to meet their basic needs.

A dedicated service site for Nepalese border residents has been established along a street in Gyirong Town, providing free supplies such as instant noodles, milk, beverages and medicines.

According to authorities in Gyirong Town, more than 2,000 items of daily necessities have been distributed to hundreds of Nepalese border residents in the town.

Another Nepalese border resident, who works at a hotel in Gyirong, does not currently plan to return home. "I have worked in Gyirong for two years. My income here supports my family of five, so I will continue working here," he said.