Message for American Citizens Natural Disaster Alert: Tibet Flooding Update September 6 – Zhangmu-Kodari (Tatopani) Border Crossing Relocated, Possible Delays The U.S. Embassy in Beijing is closely monitoring evolving conditions following the August 26 debris flow disaster in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and Nepal, including a key change to border crossing protocols. Nyalam County TAR officials announced that starting on September 5 at 10:00 a.m. local time, operations for the Zhangmu-Kodari (Tatopani)Customs and Border Inspection area was relocated to the former inspection zone at Zhangmu Port – seven kilometers from the original location, citing safety concerns. This change may prolong crossing times and cause delays. Travelers will only be able to cross with their tour groups and may be required to follow strict health and safety procedures during transit. This change to crossing protocols applies only to the Chinese side of the border. The Embassy has asked for information from the Chinese government regarding search and recovery operations, victim recovery, and victim identification. The Embassy has also requested departure flexibility for travelers presently in the TAR. As search and recovery operations continue, beware of scammers claiming knowledge of a missing family member – especially if they ask for money or personal information. Review information on Travel.State.Gov (网页链接 ) to protect yourself from scams. Location:• Gyirong County and Saga County, Shigatse City, TAR• Gyirong Port (Jilong Port) border crossing• Communities along the Poiqu River valley, the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi basins, and the Nepal-China border corridor Event:

On August 26, a glacier collapsed on the Nepal-China border and sent a fast-moving flood of mud, rock, and water into Gyirong Port and surrounding areas of Gyirong County, TAR. The debris flow destroyed the border crossing facility and cut roads, power, and telecommunications across the area.Chinese authorities announced on September 2 that crews had opened an emergency corridor to Gyirong Port, allowing large vehicles and heavy machinery to reach the worst-hit area and begin excavation of debris. Search and recovery operations continue in the affected area, with no announced transition away from active search operations. Authorities continue monitoring unstable slopes and weather conditions that couldthreaten rescue crews in the disaster zone. On September 4, Chinese authorities reported 31deaths and 531 missing persons. As of September 6, there is no change to China’s report of 261 missing foreign nationals from 23 countries, among them U.S. citizens.  The U.S. Embassy remains in contact with Chinese authorities and has requested information on plans for identifying foreign nationals affected by the disaster and on the status of ongoing search activities. The Embassy also continues to press for more detailed information on entry and exit records at Gyirong Port.The Embassy is in contact with tour operators, Chinese authorities, and other governments with nationals in the region, and will share verified information with affected families as it becomes available. Chinese media reports indicate crews have restored power and telecommunications service across the affected area. Road and Travel Conditions: Although emergency road repair on the G216 National Road has reached the Gyirong Port, the border crossing with Nepal remains accessible only to emergencyresponse personnel. Travel permits for Shigatse City remain suspended. According to traveler reports, the Zhangmu-Kodari (Tatopani) crossing to enter Nepal is passable, buttravelers should coordinate closely with their tour operators and use caution due to narrow, unpaved roads that cannot accommodate large buses and require transfer to four-wheel-drive vehicles. All foreigntravelers leaving the Tibet Autonomous Region via this route should expect prolonged processing.  The August 26 debris flow disaster did not affect Lhasa. Domestic and international flights from Lhasa Gonggar Airport continue to operate, including direct flights to Kathmandu and to major Chinese cities with onward connections to the United States. Tours into and out of Lhasa to Mount Everest and Mount Kailash are reported to continue.  Conditions can change without notice. Work with your tour operator to identify departure options and confirm flight status with your airline. Actions to Take:

• If you are in the affected region and safe, contact your family, hotel, guide, and tour company as soon as possible. Use text, email, or messaging applications if calls do not connect.• Carefully evaluate current conditions at land border crossings into Nepal. Consult your tour operator about alternative departure points from China.• Postpone any travel that requires crossing the land border between China and Nepal, travel to Gyirong County, Gyirong Port, and the China-Nepal border area, including Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar circuits. Travelers already in the Tibet Autonomous Region should consult their tour operator and local authorities about onward travel.• Stay away from riverbanks, low-lying areas, damaged bridges, and unstable infrastructure. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater or cross a damaged road or bridge.• Do not enter the disaster area independently to search for an out-of-contact traveler. Coordinate through Chinese authorities, the traveler's tour company, and the U.S. Embassy.• Follow instructions from Chinese authorities and your tour operator and rely on verified information rather than unconfirmed reports.• In a health or safety emergency, contact local authorities: Police 110, Fire 119, Ambulance 120.• Beware of scammers claiming knowledge of a missing family member – especially if they ask for money or personal information. Review information on Travel.State.Gov (网页链接) to protect yourself from scams. Reporting Your Status or an Out-of-Contact Traveler:

• U.S. citizens in or recently returned from an affected area should send a message to American Citizen Services, Beijing (网页链接) with their full name, current location, status, and tour company.• To report an out-of-contact U.S. citizen, email the person’s full name, itinerary, last known location, tour company, and date and time of last contact to American Citizen Services, Beijing (网页链接) or call the U.S. Embassy in Beijing or the State Department using the numbers listed below under “Assistance.” Consular officers are available to assist callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • If you or a family member may have been near Gyirong Port at the time of the August 26 flood, please contact the Embassy directly, even if you have already been in touch with your tour company.• China has also established two 24-hour hotlines specifically for foreigners to assist families of missing persons, with English-language assistance available: +86-891-6817165 and +86-183-08026705. Families are encouraged to contact these hotlines in addition to, not instead of, notifying the U.S. Embassy.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Beijing:Telephone: +86-10-8531-4000 (after hours: +86-10-8531-3000)Contact: American Citizen Services, Beijing (网页链接)网页链接

U.S. Embassy Kathmandu (for travelers on the Nepal side):Telephone: +977-1-423-4000Email: KathmanduACSState Department – Consular Affairs:888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444China Destination Information (网页链接)

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