China's Ministry of Natural Resources has activated a Level II emergency geological disaster response for Tibet on August 26, following a catastrophic avalanche-triggered chain of events near the Nepal border that may have caused significant casualties.
The ministry dispatched a working group to the site to assist in rescue operations and prevent secondary geological hazards. The response was activated at 3:00 PM on August 26 after the incident occurred around 10:30 AM in the Donglin Zangbo river basin in Gyirong County, Shigatse, where a suspected avalanche on the Nepalese side unleashed a major chain disaster.
The ministry has instructed the Tibet Autonomous Region's Department of Natural Resources to immediately deploy an expert team to the scene to provide technical support for search and rescue operations. Local authorities are also required to conduct thorough geological hazard inspections, monitoring, and early warning systems in similar high-risk areas to prevent future incidents. The China Geological Survey and the ministry's Geohazard Technical Guidance Center have been tasked with coordinating expert resources and conducting emergency assessments to support the response.
In related news, meteorological authorities in Gyirong County have forecast persistent rainfall over the next four days, from the evening of August 26 through August 30, with light to moderate rain or thunderstorms expected across most areas, and heavy rain in some low-altitude southern townships.
These low-altitude regions face elevated risks of flash floods, mudslides, and landslides, while afternoon and evening hours may bring convective weather such as thunderstorms, hail, and short-duration intense rainfall, posing additional hazards. Local weather officials have urged enhanced safety management for transportation and tourism, warned of potential impacts on agricultural production and outdoor activities, and advised telecom and power authorities to intensify facility inspections and safety protocols against possible weather-related disruptions.