Multiple forces mobilize for relief in mudslide-hit Gyirong

Multiple emergency response teams have rapidly mobilized to carry out rescue operations, restore transportation and provide relief supplies to affected residents following a mudslide in Gyirong County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, on Wednesday.

The Xizang transportation authorities quickly organized efforts to repair and reopen damaged sections of the G216 highway, a route leading to Gyirong Port.

By 6 p.m. on Thursday, about 800 meters of the affected road section had been reopened to traffic.

The Public Security Bureau of Gyirong County dispatched its first group of 26 rescue officers, who immediately set up 24 emergency tents to relocate residents who faced potential safety risks.

Relief supplies have also been continuously transported to the disaster zone.

According to the Xizang emergency management authorities on Thursday, Gyirong Town has received 20 tonnes of highland barley, 50 tonnes of rice, 20 tonnes of flour and one tonne of cooking oil, along with more than 1,100 tents, over 2,300 folding beds, more than 8,000 quilts and other essential items.

Meanwhile, 86 professional personnel from sectors including natural resources have been sent to the affected area with specialized equipment to strengthen inspections for geological hazards and potential secondary risks.

According to the National Fire and Rescue Administration on Thursday, 681 firefighters with 113 vehicles, 13 rescue dogs and 47 drones arrived at the disaster area in Gyirong at 4 p.m. and joined the rescue efforts.

Under the coordination of the on-site command center, the Xizang Fire and Rescue Corps deployed 18 vehicles and 108 rescue personnel in batches to the hardest-hit area.

Along the way, they assessed road conditions, identified potential secondary disaster risks and collected real-time images and data.

Thirteen categories of relief supplies for protection, rescue and operational support allocated by the National Fire and Rescue Administration were transported to Lhasa Gonggar Airport on Thursday.

These materials are in transit and are expected to arrive at Gyirong Town on Friday.

By around 10 a.m. on Thursday, officers from the Xigaze detachment of the People's Armed Police began loading and transporting disaster relief materials and had already moved more than 450 sets of tents to support the emergency shelter needs of affected residents.

Read more: Explainer: Why is the Gyirong mudslide so sudden and destructive?