At least 72 people killed in mudslide at China-Nepal border

Nepali authorities says a mudslide at the China-Nepal border region has killed at least 72 people, with hundreds of tourists, the majority coming from India, still missing.

This as major damage is also seen in Xizang Autonomous Region's Gyirong County.

President Xi Jinping instructs rescue personnel to do whatever is necessary to save the missing individuals.

CCTV footage captures the moment a massive mudslide struck a significant portion of Xizang Autonomous Region's Gyirong County.

Located just next to the China-Nepal border, the mudslide happened on Wednesday morning, severely impacting the Gyirong Port connecting the two nations.

Cameras show scores of people failing to escape in time.

Some motorists seen desperately turning back to escape after spotting the mudflow.

Mr. Wang, a Chinese citizen residing in Nepal who witnessed the disaster, says there were deafening sounds the moment the mudslide kicked off, adding that many locals said they have never seen anything like it.

Xinhua News Agency reports major casualties in Gyirong County as a result of the natural disaster, as roads leading to the region have been blocked while communications and electricity in the area have been cut off.

Locally stationed People's Liberation Army personnel and police have already been deployed to conduct rescue operations.

However, reports say the combination of mudflow that is at least 1.5 metres thick and occasional rainfall have complicated rescue efforts.

President Xi Jinping earlier instructed authorities to do whatever is necessary to rescue the missing individuals, evacuate residents under threat, and treat the wounded.

While Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing is on site to guide the rescue operation.

The central government has already allocated 120 billion yuan to assist Xizang's emergency relief work.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal is activating its emergency mechanism and reminds Chinese nationals not to enter the mountainous region and to stay vigilant.