Temporary road opens path for heavy machinery at Gyirong Port

Large rescue machinery has reached the core disaster area at Gyirong Port in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, following the completion of a temporary roadbed across the last water-damaged section of National Highway G216. This marks a significant advancement in ongoing search and rescue operations.

The highway, the main route to the port, was severed after a massive mudslide from the Nepalese side of the China-Nepal border struck the area on Aug 26, resulting in major casualties and leaving many people missing.

Rescue, relief, and recovery efforts are actively underway, with road reopening and searches for missing individuals progressing simultaneously. After overnight repairs, crews completed a temporary roadbed at the final section of G216 where the roadway had been washed out, enabling large machinery to access the disaster-hit core area.

Rescuers are working to reinforce the section so that smaller vehicles can also use the route, further enhancing access for personnel, supplies, and equipment. Rescue workers reached the core area on foot on Tuesday night, and by Wednesday morning, numerous excavators and other heavy machines had been deployed to the area.

Multiple pieces of heavy equipment are now operational around Gyirong Port, aiding in the search for missing people while also clearing and leveling damaged roads. Authorities report that various search methods are being employed in the core disaster zone as rescue teams persist in their efforts to locate the missing and restore access through the affected area.