Rescuers push deeper into mudslide-hit areas at border port in Xizang

Rescuers had reopened the main access route to within 1.2 kilometers of the border gate at Gyirong Port in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, by early Monday, as authorities prepared to intensify a new round of searches in the core disaster area, according to the frontline rescue headquarters.

A massive mudslide originating on the Nepalese side of the China-Nepal border struck Gyirong Port on Wednesday morning, causing major casualties and leaving people missing. The disaster severely damaged National Highway G216, the main road leading to the port, and cut electricity and communications.

The rescue headquarters said at a news conference on Sunday that rescuers were pushing southward along G216 from the northern side of Gyirong Port to reopen the route while searching for survivors and missing people along the route.

On Monday, China Anneng Group deployed 150 emergency rescue personnel and 29 sets of various mechanical equipment to the operation. As of 8 am Monday, crews had advanced another 508 meters.

The road remains a key access point for rescuers attempting to reach the hardest-hit area of Gyirong Port.

Progress has also been made in restoring communications. The first emergency base station close to the border gate at Gyirong Port began operating at 1:30 pm Sunday, extending communication coverage toward the core rescue area.