CMG releases animation tracing deadly mudslide in China-Nepal border

State-run media has released animation tracing the catastrophic mudslide that decimated regions near the Nepal-China border earlier on Wednesday.

The visual release comes as more large machinery joins in clearing roads and rescuers battle tough terrain in their final push to reach Gyirong Port in Xizang.

The animated illustration released by China Media Group showcases the disaster cascading effect when the glacier collapse on the Nepalese side triggered subsequent mudslides that wiped out villages and caused substantial casualties.

The collapsing ice from the high-altitude glacier swept up loose rock along its path and packed enough momentum before flowing into the Guobaxiaqu River as well as Donglin Zangbo River.

Plunging about 3,300 metres in elevation, it evolved into a debris flow and enveloped the Gyirong Port checkpoint within just seven minutes at an average velocity of 50 metres per second.

The towering wall of mud, water and debris flowed in two directions upon slamming into the Donglin Zangbo River: one branch surged upstream for about 3 kilometres, and another swept downstream into Nepal.

Meanwhile, hundreds of local residents in Gyirong Town are safely relocated to hotels that serve as temporary shelters. Basic amenities including air conditioning and hot water are provided.

The town government has dispatched teams to manage food and supply distribution and maintain round-the-clock duty. Medical teams comprised of two to four health workers are also assigned to each shelter.

On Saturday, Nepal resumed search and rescue work after operations were temporarily halted due to rain and fog. Excavators moved through mud-filled roads while helicopters transported boxes and bags of aid to mudslide-hit Nuwakot district.

Families gathered at relief centres to hold posters showing missing relatives in a desperate appeal to find clues that could bring them home.

The country's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has asked specialist assistance to rescue people trapped in tunnels, restore transport and communication lines, identify bodies, and conduct DNA testing.

Nepali Army spokesperson said rescue efforts would continue at a hydropower construction site in Rasuwa district, where over 100 people are believed to be trapped in a tunnel.