TIBET: A Chinese rescue team has intensified search and rescue operations following a landslide at the Gyirong (Kerung) port in Tibet Autonomous Region last Wednesday.
According to the Frontline Rescue Headquarters, the main road leading to the Gyirong port had been reopened up to about 1.2 kilometres from the port’s border entrance as of Monday morning.
Authorities are preparing to intensify a new phase of search and rescue operations in the worst-affected areas.
The major landslide, which originated on the Nepali side of the Nepal-China border, struck the Gyirong port area early Wednesday, causing significant damage and leaving several people missing.
The disaster damaged National Highway G216, the main route connecting the area with the port, while electricity and communication services were also disrupted.
According to information provided at a press conference on Sunday, rescue teams have been working southward from the northern section of Gyirong port along National Highway G216, clearing the road while searching for survivors and missing people.
China Eneng Group mobilised 150 emergency responders and 29 machines and pieces of equipment for the operation on Monday. By 8 am, the team had cleared an additional 508 metres of road.
National Highway G216 remains the main access route for rescue teams seeking to reach the worst-affected areas of Gyirong port.
Meanwhile, progress has also been made in restoring communication services. The first emergency base station near the border entrance of Gyirong port was brought into operation at 1:30 pm on Sunday, expanding communication access in the main disaster response area.
Rescue teams are continuing road clearance, communication restoration and searches for missing people simultaneously.
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