Rescue, relief efforts intensify in Xizang following mudslide

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

A massive mudslide struck the Gyirong border port in Xizang, China, resulting in three confirmed deaths and leaving 558 people, including 260 foreigners, missing as rescue teams work to clear debris and restore critical infrastructure. The response involves over 500 military personnel, specialized rescue units with advanced equipment, and technical experts focused on reopening transportation routes to facilitate ongoing search and relief efforts.

Rescue operations in Xizang autonomous region have intensified following a massive mudslide on Wednesday that struck the Gyirong border port, a key land crossing between China and Nepal. As of Thursday evening, authorities reported three fatalities and 558 people unaccounted for, including 260 foreign nationals. Two local villagers were confirmed rescued.

The disaster occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time at the Gyirong port area in Shigatse, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and disrupting transportation links. Chinese authorities promptly activated emergency response protocols and mobilized a wide range of rescue teams, equipment, and relief supplies to assist those affected.

Premier Li Qiang, acting under the direction of President Xi Jinping, led a delegation of senior officials who arrived at the scene on Thursday afternoon to oversee relief efforts and meet with both residents and rescue personnel.

To support the response, a specialized guidance team from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater Command was deployed to a high-altitude airport in Xizang via a Y-20 military transport aircraft. This contingent includes over 500 personnel, four helicopters, and multiple drones to assist in search and rescue operations.

In addition, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the National Fire and Rescue Administration dispatched an elite fire and rescue team equipped with more than 500 sets of gear covering detection, lifesaving, demolition, communications, and medical support. The team also brought four search-and-rescue dogs to the disaster zone.

State-owned China Anneng Construction Group has sent 310 technical experts and rescuers, including geologists and engineers, from cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Lhasa. Their work is focused on restoring crucial infrastructure, including roads, communication lines, and power supplies. By Thursday evening, rescue crews had cleared approximately 800 meters of the damaged 3-kilometer road leading to the Gyirong port.

To facilitate movement for personnel and supplies, Xizang’s transportation department deployed four emergency buses and three trucks to navigate the remaining sections of the damaged route.

The China Anneng team delivered 120 sets of advanced equipment to the hardest-hit zones, including multifunctional survey drones, 3D laser scanners, life-detection devices, as well as heavy machinery such as large excavators and loaders. Efforts remain ongoing to locate the missing and provide relief to those impacted by the mudslide.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.