China has offered emergency funds, relief supplies and rescue teams after deadly floods hit Nepal. The assistance deepens cross-border coordination as both countries search for missing citizens and manage new risks.

China on Saturday offered emergency financial assistance and relief supplies to Nepal after flash floods devastated parts of the country, killing more than 650 people and leaving nearly 2,400 missing. The assistance follows Wednesday’s floods at the Tibet-Nepal border, which Chinese officials described as the most serious cross-border disaster in recent years.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Shisir Khanal to convey Beijing’s decision. He said Chinese relief supplies were expected to reach Kathmandu shortly, while two teams of China’s tunnel rescue experts were on their way to the affected areas to help with rescue operations.

According to Chinese official media, Wang told Khanal that the complexity and difficulty of the relief work was unprecedented. He said China had shared important information with Nepal, including images of the affected areas, satellite and hydrological data, as well as early warning information on an upstream barrier lake.

Wang also said, “For Nepalese citizens stranded on the Chinese side, China has made appropriate arrangements and will assist them in returning to Nepal as soon as possible. We appreciate Nepal’s efforts and hope that Nepal will continue to assist in rescuing and evacuating Chinese citizens in Nepal.” He added, “In the face of this disaster, the two countries should stand firmly together, work hand in hand to respond, and overcome the difficulties together, demonstrating through concrete actions the traditional friendship that transcends the Himalayas.”

Khanal conveyed the condolences of Nepal’s leadership to the Chinese government and people, and to the families of those who died on the Chinese side of the border. He also thanked China for its emergency humanitarian assistance. Khanal said Nepal and China were both countries affected by disasters, but China had still overcome its own difficulties to offer condolences and send help at the earliest opportunity, Xinhua reported.

China’s assistance to Nepal includes financial support, relief supplies, rescue experts and shared data, as both countries continue efforts to deal with the aftermath of the deadly floods and assist stranded citizens.

With PTI Inputs