Large-Scale Rescue Operation Underway After Landslide at Gyirong Border Port in Xizang
Dragon Media News Desk
China has launched a large-scale search, rescue and relief operation following a serious landslide and related disaster at the Gyirong border port in Gyirong County, Shigatse, Xizang Autonomous Region, near the Nepal-China border.
According to available information, the disaster occurred at around 10:30 a.m. on August 26 in the border area adjoining Nepal. The landslide caused casualties and disrupted communications in parts of the Gyirong port area and surrounding locations.
Following the incident, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management activated national-level emergency mechanisms and dispatched multiple rescue forces to the affected area.
A total of 249 personnel from the national comprehensive fire and rescue service were sent to the disaster zone. In addition, 325 emergency personnel from China Anneng Group and PowerChina-related project units were deployed to support rescue operations.
The National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief, together with the Ministry of Emergency Management, activated a Level II national disaster relief emergency response. In coordination with the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, the central government allocated around 30,000 relief items to Xizang.
The supplies include tents, heating equipment, clothing, folding beds and moisture-resistant mats. They are intended to support the evacuation, temporary accommodation and basic needs of affected residents.
By 5 p.m. on August 26, the Xizang Military Region had dispatched a forward command team to the area and organized emergency medical and life-saving units. More than 130 personnel from two units under the Shigatse military sub-command were also placed on standby with necessary equipment.
More than 140 officers and personnel from the Shigatse detachment of the People’s Armed Police were deployed to the rescue site with specialized disaster-relief equipment.
The Emergency Management Department of Xizang Autonomous Region mobilized 152 vehicles and 792 personnel for emergency response operations. The Xizang fire and rescue headquarters separately dispatched 72 vehicles and 431 rescue personnel to the affected area.
The rescue teams were equipped with search dogs, life-detection devices, boats and other specialized equipment. Difficult terrain, landslide damage and disrupted communications have made operations particularly challenging.
China’s National Development and Reform Commission allocated 100 million yuan from the central budget for emergency restoration and repair of damaged infrastructure. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management also provided an additional 120 million yuan in advance for natural-disaster relief.
Together, the initial central-level financial support amounts to 220 million yuan. The funds are expected to support emergency rescue, assistance for affected residents, resettlement and the initial restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Gyirong is one of the major land border crossings between Nepal and China and serves as an important route for trade and cross-border movement. Because the port lies in a high-altitude and geographically sensitive area, major natural disasters there can disrupt transport, trade and communities on both sides of the border.
Chinese authorities are continuing rescue operations, relief distribution, communications restoration and damage assessment. A complete account of casualties and the number of people still out of contact is expected to become clearer as search operations and verification continue.
