Rescue teams clearing debris in Gyirong county

Rescue crews had cleared about 800 meters of a mudslide-hit section of a key highway in Gyirong county, Xizang autonomous region, by 6 pm on Thursday, according to the latest updates from regional and local authorities.

In addition, 499 affected people had been properly accommodated and 555 tourists evacuated as relief efforts continued following the mudslide that hit the area on Wednesday.

The Xizang regional transportation authorities said crews were working to clear a 3 kilometer section of the G216 highway leading to Gyirong Port. Excavators, loaders, and other machinery had been deployed to remove mud and debris.

Four emergency buses and three trucks have also been mobilized, with the trucks transporting 60 metric tons of emergency supplies. Authorities have stepped up inspections of national and regional highways connecting Lhasa with the disaster-hit area, to keep the main rescue route open.

Meanwhile, all 555 tourists affected in Gyirong township have been evacuated, according to local authorities. Tourists already staying in the township were assisted in leaving the area, while those planning to travel there were advised to turn back. No tourists remain stranded, the authorities said.

Gyirong county authorities said the 499 affected people who have been relocated include local residents and construction workers.

The disaster occurred at around 10:30 am on Wednesday after a mudslide on the Nepal side of the border struck the Gyirong Port area in Gyirong county, Shigatse.

Power supplies are also being reinforced in the disaster-hit area. State Grid Xizang Electric Power Company Limited said that as of 5 pm on Thursday, 89 emergency repair workers, 12 mobile power-generation vehicles, 31 generators, and 39 pieces of lighting equipment had arrived in Gyirong township.

Electricity has been connected to 32 tents at a relocation site, a newly established emergency warehouse, and two key parking areas. Power has also been provided for on-site disaster response operations.

Another 26 emergency power workers and 66 pieces of equipment were being dispatched to Gyirong township to further strengthen electricity supplies for rescue and relief operations.