Summary of Key Points
A mudslide on the Nepalese side caused a disaster at the Gyirong border crossing in Tibet, resulting in casualties and people being missing. Multiple departments have urgently launched rescue efforts: a Chinese rescue team has chartered a plane to provide assistance, and Yilong drones are being used for emergency communications. However, issues such as rainfall and barrier lakes are complicating the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, tents have been set up at the evacuation sites, and electricity has been supplied; transportation and water resources departments are doing their utmost to ensure road access and monitor water levels to prevent secondary disasters.
I. Rescue Efforts: Chartered Planes + Drones – Technology for Rapid Support
Several efficient methods have been employed in this rescue operation:
- Chartered Planes for Rescue Personnel: To reach the disaster area more quickly, the rescue team flew from Chengdu to Dingri Airport (which is closer to the Gyirong border crossing than Shigatse Airport). 111 firefighters, equipped with rescue and demolition tools, have already departed on the first charter plane, expected to arrive around 8:30 AM.
- **Yilong Drones as “Airborne Communication Stations”: Drones flown from Sichuan have arrived over the disaster area early in the morning. They can not only capture high-definition images of the situation (such as the locations of trapped people) but also carry mobile communication base stations from three major operators and satellite communication systems. This allows communication to be re-established in areas without internet or power, facilitating contact between rescuers and the trapped.
II. Rescue Challenges: Rainfall + Barrier Lakes – Hindering Progress
The rescue effort is facing two major obstacles:
- Continuous Rainfall: It has been raining continuously, with temperatures as low as 10°C, and it is expected to rain for the next three days. The slippery roads and poor visibility are affecting the movement of rescuers and the transportation of equipment.
- Barrier Lakes: A barrier lake has formed due to the mudslide, with the edge of the lake only 2.5 kilometers away from the border crossing and a thickness of nearly 1.5 meters. If the lake breaks, downstream areas could be flooded. Rescue personnel are monitoring this risk closely; border guards have been sent to investigate, and observation posts have been established to monitor the situation.
- Road Disruptions: The road from Gyirong County to the border crossing is closed, so rescue teams must take detours or use other methods, which is slowing down the progress.
III. Evacuation and Basic Needs: Tents and Essential Supplies
The temporary evacuation sites for the affected people are already in operation:
- Tents and Supplies: Approximately 30 tents have been set up at the evacuation site in Gyirong Town, each with four beds, along with bedding and pillows.
- Electricity and Charging: Emergency power supplies have been installed, and emergency lights are in use. Charging facilities are also available, which is a great comfort for the trapped individuals.
- Location: The evacuation site is about 20 kilometers from the border crossing and is currently safe, but everyone needs to stay warm due to the rain.
IV. Transportation Department: Making Every Effort to Reopen Roads for Rescue Access
The Tibet Transport Department has activated the highest level of “Level 1 Emergency Response,” meaning all resources are to be prioritized for disaster relief:
- Assembled Resources: By the evening of the 26th, more than 40 rescue personnel and 43 pieces of equipment (such as excavators and loaders) had been deployed to Gyirong County, along with supplies like steel bridges and woven bags.
- Standby Reserves: Nearby road maintenance units and companies like China Communications Construction have prepared a total of 423 personnel and 220 pieces of equipment to be deployed immediately if needed.
- Roads Still Open: Major roads such as G318 and G219 remain accessible, ensuring that rescue supplies can be delivered to the county and then transported to the border crossing.
V. Water Resources Department: Monitoring Water Levels to Prevent Secondary Disasters
The Ministry of Water Resources is focusing on preventing the situation from worsening:
- Monitoring Teams: Emergency monitoring teams have been sent to the disaster area to monitor the water levels in the barrier lake. If the lake overflows, early warnings must be issued.
- Checking for Glacier Impact: They are also assessing the extent of any damage to villages and water supply systems along the Cuojian River due to glacier collapses, to prevent further problems.
- Improving Warnings: Efforts are being made to repair damaged water infrastructure to improve the accuracy of water level monitoring and to detect potential dangers in advance.
In summary, the rescue response has been swift and technology has played a significant role. However, the natural conditions are extremely challenging. Further efforts are needed to deal with the ongoing rainfall and the risk of barrier lakes. It is hoped that the missing people can be found as soon as possible, and the safety of the affected population can be ensured.