In the aftermath of a devastating mudslide that struck Gyirong county in Shigatse city, Xizang autonomous region, emergency responders have stepped beyond their usual roles to support ongoing relief efforts. Ma Hua, an emergency responder specializing in air medical transfers from Lhasa, shifted from patient transport to cooking in order to assist medical staff, truck drivers, and rescue workers on the ground.
Following the incident on August 26, Ma and his team arrived in Gyirong expecting to provide critical air ambulance services. However, due to limited demand for air transfers, they redirected their efforts to support a catering vehicle operated by the Red Cross Society of Xizang Autonomous Region, which was distributing meals to aid personnel. Drawing on prior experience as a cook, Ma quickly integrated into the kitchen team at a hospital serving both local and visiting medical staff.
The mobile kitchen began offering three free meals daily starting Sunday, delivering over 1,500 portions to date. Tseyang, deputy director of the Red Cross Society’s relief and rescue department, noted that the hospital’s small kitchen was initially staffed by a single cook and required additional support amid the increased demand following the disaster. Alongside Ma and six other emergency responders, local Red Cross workers have maintained meal production at full capacity, distributing extra food containers to workers and volunteers in the area.
On one occasion, Tseyang and colleagues loaded freshly cooked meals onto a vehicle to deliver to truck drivers, loaders, and sanitation workers resting near the streets. One truck driver who had transported essential materials such as rocks and gabions to Gyirong Port shared that the meals were greatly appreciated, even after he had eaten. “They do manual labor and burn a lot of energy, so they really need the extra food,” Tseyang said.
Qi Youpeng, another member of the Xizang 999 Emergency Rescue Center, also adapted from his usual role providing first aid to assisting with meal preparation. Having previously responded to emergencies such as last December’s magnitude-6.2 earthquake in Gansu province, Qi now focuses on washing and chopping vegetables aboard the catering vehicle. “I’ll go wherever I’m needed and I am willing to help in any way,” he said.
The coordinated efforts of medical teams, emergency responders, and the Red Cross in Gyirong demonstrate a flexible and community-oriented approach to disaster relief, addressing both medical needs and basic sustenance for those working tirelessly in the affected area.