Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered extensive search and rescue operations following a mudslide that struck the border town of Gyirong in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of Xizang on Wednesday morning. The disaster occurred on the Nepalese side of the border and resulted in casualties and missing persons.
Xi Jinping urged rescue teams to do everything possible to find the missing, evacuate residents from at-risk areas as quickly as possible, and provide prompt medical care to the injured. His goal is to minimize further loss of life.
According to available information, the mudslide occurred around 10:30 AM on Nepalese territory and subsequently affected the Gyirong area in the district of the same name.
The Chinese president also emphasized the need to strengthen monitoring and early warning systems. Rescue operations should be carried out based on expert assessments of the situation, and it is essential to prevent secondary disasters.
Xi warned that China is currently in a critical period for flood control. Local authorities and relevant agencies are therefore urged to prepare for even the worst-case scenarios and be ready for extreme situations.
Emphasis should also be placed on preventing floods and typhoons, and on thoroughly identifying potential risks. According to Xi Jinping, it is necessary to prevent major disasters and protect the lives and property of residents.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has also become involved in addressing the situation. He ordered that the number of missing and affected people be verified as quickly as possible, and that all rescue and humanitarian resources be mobilized.
According to his instructions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should strengthen communication and coordination with relevant countries, share up-to-date information, and cooperate in rescue and follow-up measures.
Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing also went to the scene along with representatives of relevant authorities to coordinate rescue and crisis operations directly in the affected area.
Authorities in Xizang have already mobilized available forces, and search and rescue operations are continuing.
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