43 dead, 519 missing after mudslide hit border port in China's Xizang

The death toll from a mudslide that struck Gyirong County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on August 26 has risen to 43, with 519 people still missing, local authorities said at a news conference on Sunday.

Following the reopening of the road leading to mudslide-hit Gyirong Port, rescuers have stepped up deep searches in the core area.

As of 6 p.m.

Friday, two people had been successfully rescued and 993 personal belongings had been recovered, according to the authorities.

A total of 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries remain unaccounted for following the mudslide.

At Nepal's request, the Chinese government has sent tunnel rescue and DNA experts to Nepal and provided emergency supplies, while the local government of Xizang has provided Nepal with 320 tonnes of Bailey bridge components and other disaster relief materials.