Landslide-dammed lake near Gyirong mudslide zone complicates rescue

Water levels continue to rise at the landslide-dammed lake near Gyirong Port, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, August 27, 2026. /Xizang Fire and Rescue Corps Water levels continue to rise at the landslide-dammed lake near Gyirong Port, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, August 27, 2026. /Xizang Fire and Rescue Corps A landslide-dammed lake has been discovered near Gyirong Port, adding challenges to the rescue operation after Wednesday's mudslide in Gyirong County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, according to a correspondent with the PLA's Xigaze Military Sub-command on Thursday.The Sub-command has deployed 158 personnel to the area, with four units of construction machinery and more than 20 vehicles on standby in Gyirong Town. A border defense unit arrived on Wednesday afternoon for an initial assessment. Drone footage shows the landslide-dammed lake near Gyirong Port, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, August 27, 2026. /CMG Drone footage shows the landslide-dammed lake near Gyirong Port, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, August 27, 2026. /CMG The debris flow edge is about 2.5 kilometers from the port, with debris nearly 1.5 meters thick, posing serious obstacles for rescuers. Observation posts will be set up to monitor for secondary disaster risks.Chen Hongqi, a senior engineer at the Geological Disaster Technical Guidance Center under the Ministry of Natural Resources, said the area's complex terrain and hydrological conditions have made rescue operations increasingly difficult.He warned unstable slopes, changing upstream water levels and further rainfall could trigger more landslides and rockfalls, while narrow access routes are still at risk of collapse.