Kathmandu: China on Thursday rejected Nepal’s claim that the collapse of a “geological disaster dam” on the Chinese side was responsible for the massive destruction caused by sudden flooding in Nepal, calling the allegation “fake news.”

The Chinese Embassy in Nepal also denied allegations that China failed to provide an early warning about the impending disaster. According to the embassy, the alleged lack of an early warning did not contribute to the deaths and disappearances.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the embassy said that an earthquake or an earthquake-like glacier collapse occurred on the Nepali side on the morning of August 26. China claimed that the incident triggered massive mudslides, causing heavy casualties and leaving several people missing on both sides of the Gyirong-Rasuwagadhi border.

The sudden surge of water, sediment, rocks and ice caused widespread destruction across the region. Villages were washed away, while roads and buildings were damaged or completely destroyed.

The Chinese Embassy said, “Accusation helps nothing” and “cooperation saves lives,” calling for cooperation between the two countries amid the ongoing disaster.

The Himalayan disaster has continued to take a heavy toll, with at least 175 people reported dead and more than 1,300 missing following the powerful debris surge.