China Deploys Y-20 Transport Aircraft for Rescue Operations in Mudslide-Hit Gyirong
Dragon Media News Desk
A Y-20 transport aircraft operated by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater Command Air Force departed on Thursday morning for the Xizang Autonomous Region to support rescue operations following a major mudslide in Gyirong County, Shigatse.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the aircraft carried a guidance and coordination team from the PLA Western Theater Command. The team will organize and coordinate joint rescue operations involving PLA personnel in the affected area.
Rescue priorities include clearing blocked roads, searching for missing people, assisting the injured, assessing damage and relocating residents from high-risk areas.
The Y-20 is China’s large strategic military transport aircraft, capable of carrying personnel, relief supplies, medical equipment and heavy rescue gear over long distances. Its deployment is particularly significant in a high-altitude disaster zone such as Gyirong, where road access has been seriously disrupted.
The Western Theater Command had already mobilized PLA and People’s Armed Police units to the area. Aviation, medical, transportation and engineering forces have also been placed on standby for rapid deployment as required.
The disaster in Gyirong, a key border area linking China with Nepal, has affected local infrastructure, transportation and cross-border movement. Chinese authorities are coordinating military and civilian emergency resources to accelerate search, rescue and relief operations.
