Help arriving in mudslide-stricken area

The first group of emergency power repair personnel has arrived at Gyirong Port in Shigatse city, Xizang autonomous region, following a fatal mudslide on Wednesday, according to State Grid Xizang Electric Power Co.

Five repair workers, one medium-voltage generator vehicle, and two small emergency lighting units are now in place to provide basic electricity and nighttime lighting for rescue operations, Xizang Television reported.

More emergency power and lighting equipment, including mobile lighting towers, handheld lights, charging units, low-voltage generator vehicles, and small generators, is being sent to the disaster-hit area.

The company has also allocated lightweight utility poles and other repair materials, while another 20 professional repair workers are heading to the site to help restore power lines damaged by the disaster.

The mudslide occurred at around 10:30 am on Wednesday on the Nepal side of the border and caused large numbers of casualties and left people missing at Gyirong Port in Gyirong county, Shigatse. Roads to the port were cut off, while power and communications were disrupted, according to local authorities.