With access to Gyirong Port restored, authorities are stepping up monitoring for potential secondary disasters along the rescue route and at the disaster site to ensure safe rescue operations after a mudslide that struck Gyirong Port in south-west China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on August 26.
The end of the mudslide does not mean the danger is over. Large amounts of ice and debris may remain in the valleys after the glacier collapse and unstable slopes could fail again under rainfall. Debris dams formed by loose sediment and rock also remain at risk of being overtopped or breached. Before rescue teams move forward, they must assess slope stability, water levels and the condition of the debris barriers.
As of 4pm on September 2, 172 experts and technical personnel from the natural and water resources units, the meteorology and emergency management authorities and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have been working at the site with 150 sets of monitoring and rescue equipment.
The meteorological teams have deployed 10 automatic weather stations and an X-band dual-polarisation weather radar to monitor severe convective weather within a 75km radius of the port and surrounding watersheds. The natural resources teams conduct geological hazard inspections and 3D mapping along two emergency access routes and other affected areas. The water authorities monitor water levels and other hydrological conditions.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has deployed slope radars, drones and other equipment to monitor the former barrier lake and its dam, the Lantang glacier group, and other high-risk areas. The monitoring teams are also working with the authorities to install warning signs, establish observation posts and set up evacuation areas along the G216 highway and around Gyirong Port.
Beyond the immediate rescue effort, China is also providing meteorological support to neighbouring Nepal. The China Meteorological Administration has shared Fengyun satellite data with Nepal, provided seamless 30-day forecasts and developed a customised version of its “Mazu” intelligent weather early warning system to support Nepal’s emergency response and post-disaster recovery.
- Authorities restored access to Gyirong Port and are intensifying monitoring for secondary disasters after a mudslide on August 26 in Xizang Autonomous Region, China.
- Risks remain due to ice, debris, unstable slopes, and potential breaches of debris dams following the glacier collapse.
- As of September 2, 172 experts and 150 monitoring and rescue devices are deployed on-site from various scientific and emergency agencies.
- Monitoring includes meteorological stations, weather radar, geological inspections, hydrological monitoring, slope radars, drones, warning signs, observation posts, and evacuation setups.
- China is providing meteorological support to Nepal through satellite data sharing, 30-day forecasts, and a customized weather early warning system "Mazu."
As of 4pm on
