Three Killed, 265 Missing at Gyirong Border Port; Xi Orders All-Out Rescue Efforts

Dragon Media News Desk

Three people have been confirmed dead and 265 others remain missing after a severe disaster struck Gyirong border port in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, prompting President Xi Jinping to order all-out search, rescue and relief operations.

According to the on-site emergency headquarters, the death toll stood at three as of 8 p.m. Wednesday, while 265 people were still unaccounted for. Authorities said the casualty figures were continuing to be verified.

President Xi instructed authorities to give the highest priority to searching for missing people, evacuate residents from high-risk areas and ensure timely medical treatment for the injured in order to minimize further casualties.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed the need to strengthen monitoring and early-warning systems, conduct rescue operations on a scientific basis and remain alert to the danger of secondary disasters.

Noting that China is currently in a critical period for flood control, Xi urged local authorities and relevant departments to prepare for worst-case scenarios and extreme conditions. He called for the full implementation of flood and typhoon prevention measures and for intensified efforts to identify and eliminate potential hazards.

He also demanded decisive action to prevent major and catastrophic disasters and accidents and to safeguard people’s lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang issued separate instructions calling for the immediate verification of the number of missing and affected people and for maximum efforts in search, rescue and disaster relief.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, instructed the Foreign Ministry to strengthen communication and coordination with Nepal and other relevant countries, share information promptly and work together to properly manage rescue and relief operations.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, led officials from relevant departments to the affected area to direct and coordinate rescue and emergency-response operations.

Authorities in Xizang have mobilized rescue personnel and equipment across the disaster zone. Search operations for the missing, evacuation of residents from dangerous areas, medical treatment for the injured and monitoring for possible secondary disasters are continuing simultaneously.

Officials said the figures for deaths and missing persons remain subject to further verification.