Intensive search and recovery efforts underway in Gyirong Port mudslide zone

Rescue teams are intensifying deep searches in the core disaster area around Gyirong Port in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, where mudslide deposits reach up to 16 meters in some places. The main land route into the area was largely restored on Wednesday morning, regional authorities reported.

As of noon Wednesday, 21 people had been found dead and 541 remained missing, according to Karma Tsetan, chairman of the Xizang regional government. Additionally, 847 personal belongings have been recovered.

Originating on the Nepalese side of the China-Nepal border, the mudslide struck Gyirong Port on Aug 26, severing roads, electricity, and communications.

Karma Tsetan stated that over 2,300 rescuers had been mobilized, supported by more than 400 vehicle deployments and over 8,000 sets of rescue equipment. Drones have conducted 804 flights, while 5.43 metric tons of supplies and equipment have been air-dropped into the core area.

Prior to the restoration of the land route, rescuers advanced by water, land, and air. Boats approached the core zone via waterways, land teams trekked for about 12 hours along mountain routes, and helicopters made 24 flights to transport rescuers and supplies.

Communications have improved with 12 base stations restored, and lighting and power equipment deployed in the core area, Karma Tsetan said.

Rescuers have conducted repeated grid searches covering about 1.59 million square meters since the disaster. More than 10 pieces of heavy machinery have now entered the core area to support deeper searches.

Reopening National Highway G216 was a major priority. Karma Tsetan noted that rescue teams worked tirelessly despite narrow working areas, unstable slopes, fast-rising water, deep mud, and continued rainfall.

Rescue forces will continue coordinating searches, road restoration, recovery work, and risk prevention as operations progress deeper into the disaster zone, he said.

Ren Wei, executive vice-chairman of the Xizang regional government, said search operations are now focusing on deeper layers of debris. Mudslide deposits in the core area average about 4 meters in depth, reaching up to 16 meters in some places, with large rocks and thick mud covering the surface.

Rescuers have divided the area into sections and are using professional detection equipment to search beneath the debris. Priority is given to key locations, including a parking lot, the joint inspection building, and accommodation buildings.

As searches move deeper, authorities are enhancing precautions against secondary disasters. Rockfall radar, slope radar, and other equipment are monitoring surrounding mountains, gullies, and debris deposits around the clock, while meteorological authorities provide detailed forecasts every six hours.

Each search site has a dedicated safety officer, with evacuation signals, escape routes, and safe assembly areas prepared in advance.

Ren said remains found during searches are being transferred and identified, while recovered personal belongings are catalogued, preserved, and handed over according to established procedures. Health and sanitation measures are also ongoing in the affected area.