China sends more rescuers to search for the missing after mudslide hits Xizang

(ECNS) -- China has sent more rescue teams to search by land, water and air for people missing after a mudslide on the Nepal side of the China-Nepal border caused casualties at Gyirong Port in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. 

As of 10 a.m. Friday, 681 firefighters and 113 vehicles had been deployed, along with more than 6,600 pieces of rescue equipment and supplies.

Three specialized teams are using inflatable boats, on-foot operations and drones for aerial reconnaissance and delivery.

Advance teams are also using drones and telescopes to survey the hardest-hit areas and monitor a barrier lake for potential risks.

Thirteen experts from the Shanghai Fire Research Institute have arrived at the site.

(By Helen Mo & intern Liu Shuangjing)