Tibetische Aktivisten werfen China vor, die Folgen der Katastrophe zu verharmlosen

A devastating flood has wreaked havoc across the Himalayas, with Tibetan activists accusing China of downplaying the death toll. The disaster struck regions bordering Nepal, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Chinese authorities have dismissed these claims as part of a "malicious campaign of defamation," while international media reports suggest the casualty figures could be significantly higher. The floods hit the area on August 26, triggered by the collapse of a glacier at the Sino-Nepal border. According to state-run Chinese media, 16 people were confirmed dead and 546 missing, with officials claiming information was released "openly, transparently, and quickly." However, these numbers have been challenged by Tibetan exile groups and human rights organizations. They argue that the official figures fail to reflect the true scale of the tragedy. Tibet Radio, based in India, reported approximately 25 deaths among Tibetans. Exiled Tibetans in contact with family members in the severely affected Gyirong region described five villages as particularly hard-hit. These individuals, who asked not to be named due to safety concerns, stated that funeral ceremonies had already begun, estimating at least 24 people had perished. A spokesperson for the International Campaign for Tibet, Tencho Gyatso, called on China to release "complete and verifiable information on damage and casualties." According to the organization, its sources within Tibet indicated a much higher human toll, with at least four villages heavily impacted. These areas reportedly suffered over 300 destroyed homes, and many residents remain missing. In Nepal, the same catastrophic event resulted in at least 939 deaths and nearly 4,500 missing persons. Chinese authorities have taken action against individuals they accuse of spreading false information online, including those citing casualty figures far exceeding official counts. At least ten people have been sanctioned for allegedly disseminating misleading data. State media, such as Xinhua News Agency, reported ongoing rescue efforts, with workers using excavators to clear debris along flooded riverbanks. CCTV broadcast footage showing emergency teams working through the mud and rubble. The Dalai Lama, currently residing in India, expressed prayers for all victims and noted that the region has faced past disasters. He suggested the current crisis might indicate deeper underlying issues, possibly linked to climate change or other factors. Beata Tikos, representing Tibet House in New York, a cultural center founded by the Dalai Lama, commented that there was understandable confusion in Beijing’s communications. She accused China of constructing hydropower dams and altering river courses, which she claimed exacerbate glacial melting and permafrost degradation already accelerated by global warming. In Australia, where around 3,000 Tibetans reside, Zoe Bedford, director of the Tibet Council Australia, echoed similar concerns. She believes the construction of dams in Tibet contributes to environmental instability, potentially worsening the effects of climate change. These allegations highlight growing tensions between local communities and Chinese infrastructure projects, raising questions about the long-term impact on regional ecosystems and populations.