China releases first 3D images of mudslide areas in Gyirong

The Ministry of Natural Resources releases the first three-dimensional images that reveal the immense scale of glacier collapse and mudslide that struck the border port of Gyirong between southwest Xizang and Nepal.

Authorities say seven people have been killed and at least 554 others remain missing as of early Saturday on the Chinese side alone.

In Nepal, at least 626 bodies have been recovered from disaster-hit areas while 2,426 people are still unaccounted for.

The digital renderings released on Friday lay bare a stark before-and-after contrast of Gyirong Port in Xizang, showing how a glacier collapse in the upper reaches of the Cuojian River in Nepal reshaped the mountainous landscape.

A senior engineer of the China Aero Geophysical Survey and Remote Sensing Center for Natural Resources says the mudslide triggered by the high-altitude avalanche of ice and rock was far more destructive than the glacier lake outburst flood that hit the same area last year, attributing its force to the large elevation drop between the glacier and the port and the fast speed of debris.

He said destroyed roads and unfavourable terrain posed challenges to search and rescue operations, and a dammed lake formed in the upstream also turned out to be a major impediment.

Experts from China Anneng assert that the current risk level of the lake is basically stable and may continue to decrease as the reservoir slowly declines.

The water level has dropped about 10 metres compared to the previous day, reducing the risk of breach, but upcoming rainfalls remain a concern.

Crews say they are implementing real-time monitoring and devising escape routes and drills to enhance preparedness.

State media reported 2,141 rescue workers and 86 specialists deployed there have stepped up inspections for geological hazards. Over one kilometre of road have also been cleared and reopened to traffic.

On the other side of the Himalayan border, aid and food delivered by the World Health Organization arrived in affected villages in Nepal's Nuwakot district.

WHO officials were already at the site after the organisation warned of risks of post-disaster disease.

A slew of flood survivors were lining up near the makeshift rescue centre. One of them recalled the swollen river and described the devastating flood "arrived like a storm with the speed of a bullet."

In a narrow window of escape, he managed to hold onto something and got himself out by jumping to a safer place.

Resident Sudeep Karki noted "everyone is worried," and that he remains hopeful that he would be able to contact his relative, adding "I think he is stuck in the jungles."