Power restored to core disaster area at Gyirong

Temporary power supply lines to the core disaster area around Gyirong Port in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, were fully restored by Thursday evening, ensuring electricity for ongoing search and rescue operations, the China Central Television reported.

Power crews had been working around the clock to repair damaged lines since a massive mudslide struck Gyirong Port on Aug 26, cutting off roads, electricity and communications in the hardest-hit area.

The restoration of power follows progress in reopening transport and communications links to the disaster zone.

National Highway G216, the main land route to Gyirong Port, was fully reopened on Wednesday morning, allowing rescuers, relief supplies and heavy equipment to enter the core area and support deeper searches.

Communications have also been restored after crews laid fiber-optic cables, repaired faults, restored base stations and optimized signals.

According to local authorities, emergency command, rescue operations and supply dispatch now have uninterrupted communications, while the core disaster area has achieved full 5G coverage.