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China and Nepal Coordinate Rescue Efforts Following Catastrophic Glacier Collapse and Floods

A glacier collapse on the Nepal-Tibet border has triggered a massive flood and landslide, resulting in a death toll exceeding 1,000 people. The disaster has left thousands missing, including over 500 foreign nationals. Nepal's Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, stated that joint rescue teams from Nepal, India, and China are working to reach those trapped in mud-filled tunnels at hydropower sites along the Trishuli river. China has provided significant cross-border support, sending DNA identification experts, emergency supplies, and tunnel experts to assist in the search. The administration announced that the road to Gyirong Port, which was hit hardest on the Chinese side, has fully reopened after more than a week of closure. While Nepal has provided frequent updates, families of Chinese workers have expressed concern over the slow pace of information from the Tibetan side. China's Foreign Ministry defended the release of information as open and timely. The disaster has highlighted the other risks of a warming climate on the Himalayan region, with Prime Minister Balendra Shah noting that the climate change consequences are becoming increasingly evident.

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