China mobilizes massive rescue operation after mudslide disaster at Nepal border

China's national comprehensive fire and rescue force is carrying out search and rescue operations by water, land and air after a mudslide disaster left people missing at Gyirong Port in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region.

The disaster occurred at around 10:30 am on Aug 26 after a mudslide on the Nepalese side of the border, leaving three people dead and 558 others missing as of 8 am on Thursday.

According to the National Fire and Rescue Administration, as of 10 am on Friday, 681 rescuers and 113 vehicles from the national comprehensive fire and rescue force had arrived at the site. They include 415 rescuers and 75 vehicles from the Xizang fire and rescue corps, 155 rescuers and 38 vehicles from the Sichuan mobile rescue force, and 111 members of the China Search and Rescue Team.

A total of 6,612 pieces or sets of rescue equipment and support supplies in 19 types have also been allocated and sent to Gyirong township.

Under the rescue plan of the front-line command headquarters, fire and rescue teams have set up three specialized operation groups. They are entering the disaster area by rubber boats on waterways, advancing over mountains on foot by land, and using drones for aerial reconnaissance and supply delivery.

The teams are searching for and rescuing missing people while dealing with complex terrain and disrupted access to the affected area, the administration said.

A forward team has also been sent to conduct mapping, reconnaissance and fixed-point monitoring of the core disaster zone and the barrier lake area, using drones and binoculars.

Thirteen experts from the Shanghai Fire Research Institute have arrived at the site to support the rescue operation, the administration said.