Emergency equipment deployed to reinforce roads and support search operations

Emergency road reinforcement equipment has been dispatched to Gyirong county in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, to support road access and enhance search operations following last week's devastating mudslide, the Ministry of Emergency Management announced on Thursday.

Through an emergency coordination mechanism between the Ministry of Emergency Management and the Ministry of Transport, 40 sets of temporary roadbed panels, cranes, and other essential equipment were urgently allocated from a national regional highway emergency equipment reserve center in Changji Hui autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Escorted by Xinjiang regional transport authorities, the equipment has now arrived at the rescue site. The temporary roadbed panels are specifically designed for use on mud, soft soil, and other unstable ground, helping to prevent heavy machinery like excavators, cranes, and dump trucks from sinking by distributing their weight.

This equipment is urgently required to reinforce damaged roads and support deeper excavation and search operations in the mudslide-affected area, according to the ministry.

The massive mudslide, originating on the Nepalese side of the China-Nepal border, struck Gyirong Port on Aug 26, resulting in significant casualties and leaving many people missing. The disaster severely damaged National Highway G216, the main road to the port, complicating access to the core disaster area.

Rescue teams have been working to restore and reinforce the land route while expanding search efforts in areas covered by deep mud and debris.