Chinese military deploys hundreds in rescue efforts after Xizang mudslide

By Li Shangyi The Chinese People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force have deployed hundreds of personnel and specialized equipment to assist emergency search and rescue operations following the catastrophic mudslide in Gyirong county, Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region. The mudslide, which occurred on Aug 26, has caused significant casualties and left many people missing in the region. In response, military forces immediately activated emergency response mechanisms to support local authorities in disaster relief efforts, Jiang Bin, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said at an online news briefing on Friday. As of Thursday, a total of 726 service members, 24 pieces of construction machinery and 60 specialized equipment sets had been mobilized to the affected areas in Gyirong. Over 20 helicopter and drone sorties have been executed to facilitate operations, according to Jiang. "Rescue personnel have focused their efforts on searching for survivors, reopening blocked roads, delivering critical supplies and providing emergency medical care," Jiang said. Over 13,900 cubic meters of mud and rock had been cleared. Additionally, 77 relief personnel and 1.23 tons of essential supplies had been airlifted directly into the disaster-stricken core area. The military has also provided healthcare and disease prevention services to local residents and rescue workers on more than 900 occasions. "Putting the people and human life above all else, our military forces remain on the front lines of rescue efforts, racing against time to locate missing individuals and minimize casualties," Jiang said. "So long as there remains a single glimmer of hope, we will never give up."