Air Force active in Xizang rescue operation

The Western Theater Command Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army dispatched a drone on Wednesday evening to survey disaster conditions in the Gyirong Port area of Xizang autonomous region, after a mudslide on the Nepal side of the border left at least three dead and 265 missing.

The command sent the drone to the affected area for aerial reconnaissance at around 8 pm, after an airport on the plateau saw a brief spell of stable weather.

The mudslide occurred at around 10:30 am on Wednesday, affecting Gyirong Port in Gyirong county, Shigatse city.

After the disaster, the Western Theater Command Air Force quickly activated its emergency response plan for disaster relief, with missions planned including aerial reconnaissance, search and rescue, and air transport, while organizing transport aircraft, helicopters, and drones to prepare for possible deployment.

An army border defense regiment activated its flood control and rescue emergency plan immediately after the disaster.

The Shigatse detachment of the People's Armed Police Force Xizang Contingent also launched an emergency response.

According to reconnaissance by an advance team, roads and communications around Gyirong Port have been cut off, and some buildings have been buried.

As of 5 pm on Wednesday, the Xizang Military Command had sent a forward command team to the site and urgently deployed emergency rescue forces.

More than 130 troops from a unit under the Shigatse military sub-command, along with engineering machinery, had completed preparations for deployment.

Meanwhile, more than 140 officers and soldiers from the Shigatse detachment of the People's Armed Police Force Xizang Contingent, carrying professional disaster relief equipment, were heading to the front line for rescue operations.