Bhotekoshi flood: How China is conducting search, rescue operations

KATHMANDU, Aug 27: China has intensified search and rescue operations after floods and landslides in the Bhotekoshi River on Wednesday caused extensive damage at the Gyirong Port in Xizang Autonomous Region, which borders Nepal.

Preliminary reports indicate that three people have died and 265 are missing in the Gyirong area. Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to make the search and rescue of missing people the top priority. He also instructed authorities to move people at risk to safer locations and provide timely medical treatment to the injured. He called for stronger monitoring and early warning systems, scientifically conducted rescue operations and preparations to prevent further disasters.

China has mobilised large numbers of personnel and vehicles for the rescue operation. Xizang’s emergency management authorities have deployed 792 personnel and 152 vehicles. The fire and rescue authorities have also sent 431 firefighters and rescuers along with 72 vehicles to the affected site. Rescue teams have been equipped with search and rescue dogs, life detection equipment and boats. Military and armed police personnel have also been mobilised for the operation.

Floods and landslides have disrupted roads leading to Gyirong Port, as well as communication networks and electricity supplies. This has made rescue operations more challenging. A large convoy of vehicles has been dispatched from Lhasa to Gyirong to support the rescue effort.

Repair teams have also reached the site to restore electricity services. Five technicians from State Grid Xizang Electric Power Company arrived with generators and emergency lighting equipment. They have begun work to provide the electricity and lighting needed for nighttime rescue operations.

Alongside search and rescue operations, relief supplies are being sent to affected people. According to officials, 8,000 cotton coats, 2,000 tents, 3,000 quilts and 5,000 moisture-resistant mats have been sent to the affected areas. A total of 30,000 relief items, including tents, stoves, clothing, quilts, folding beds and moisture-resistant mats, have been provided for evacuation, resettlement and relief efforts.

China has allocated 220 million yuan to support emergency rescue and disaster relief efforts in Xizang. Of this amount, 120 million yuan has been allocated from the natural disaster relief fund and 100 million yuan for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Modern technology is also being used in the rescue operation. China Aneng, a state-owned engineering and rescue company, has sent a team of 200 rescuers to the site. The team is equipped with multifunctional drones, 3D laser scanners and life detection equipment.

Meanwhile, weather conditions could pose further challenges to rescue operations. The local meteorological department has forecast continuous rainfall in Gyirong County from Wednesday evening through Sunday. Authorities have warned that the rainfall could trigger flooding in lower-lying areas, additional landslides and other disasters.

Chinese authorities are currently prioritising the search and rescue of missing people, evacuation of those at risk and measures to prevent further disasters. With roads, communications and electricity services affected by floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border, rescue teams are continuing operations amid difficult conditions. (With inputs from Chinese media)