Sichuan Fire and Rescue Brigade deploys command team to Gyirong after mudslide

The Sichuan Fire and Rescue Brigade has deployed a forward command team to assist rescue operations in Gyirong county of Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, after a deadly mudslide on the Nepal side of the border struck the Gyirong Port area on Wednesday, causing significant casualties and leaving many missing.

Immediately after the disaster, the brigade activated an emergency response and dispatched 155 personnel to the affected area, with a second team of 450 personnel on standby for rescue operations.

At 9 am on Thursday, a 10-member forward command team sent by the brigade arrived at Heping Airport in Shigatse and drove directly to Gyirong town to join frontline rescuers, the brigade said.

A meeting held by the brigade on Thursday morning showed that the rugged terrain, unstable slopes from previous quakes, recent persistent rainfall, and a 2,000-meter elevation drop along the rescue route posed a high risk of new barrier lakes.

The meeting called for around-the-clock monitoring of rescue areas, prevention against secondary disasters to ensure the safety of rescuers, and dedicated logistics and medical support channels to support long-term rescue operations, according to the brigade.