Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 14: Torrential rainfall reportedly triggered flash floods in Sangchu County in Tibet’s Amdo region on Sunday evening, causing widespread destruction in and around Labrang Monastery and several surrounding Tibetan communities, according to Dharamshala-based Tibet Radio.
The flooding, which reportedly began around 7:00 p.m. local time, affected several villages and townships, including Sangkhok, Gengya, Amchok, Bora, Gyitsang, Meshul, Tsoe, and Gyagarthang. More than 30 houses reportedly collapsed or sustained severe structural damage, while floodwaters swept away vehicles, household belongings, and other property.
Local sources said the torrential rain also triggered mudslides, leaving streets and roads buried under thick layers of mud and debris, disrupting transportation and hampering rescue and relief efforts.
A Tibetan source inside Tibet told the outlet that there are growing concerns the disaster may have resulted in casualties, injuries, and livestock losses. However, the full extent of the damage remains unknown as Chinese authorities are reportedly imposing strict restrictions on information flow.
According to the source, local Tibetans have been barred from sharing photographs, videos or first-hand accounts of the flooding with people outside the region, making independent verification of the situation difficult.
The reported information blackout has obscured the scale of the disaster even as residents continue to deal with the aftermath of what appears to be one of the most destructive flood events to hit the area in recent years.
Natural disasters including floods, landslides and even earthquakes have been on the rise on the Tibetan plateau over the last few years with observers suggesting human induced climate change on the fragile Tibetan eco-system.
