International journalists witness Gyirong mudslide rescue, salute workers

(ECNS) -- Mud and landslides continue to hinder rescue efforts after a devastating mudslide struck Gyirong Port in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Aug. 26.

Journalists from CNN, Reuters, the Press Trust of India and the Associated Press of Pakistan visited the disaster site on Sept. 5-6, publishing reports that described the destructive force of the disaster and the extremely difficulties facing rescue teams.

Several international journalists highlighted the dedication of Chinese rescue workers, calling their efforts as deeply moving.

CNN reported that entering the disaster area meant driving for hours across rugged terrain before reaching roads covered in gravel to allow passage. "The trip here has underscored how remote this region is -- and how difficult it was for rescue workers to respond," the network said.

A Chinese rescue worker told reporters that when excavation began, only foundations remained, with buildings swept away by the mudslide. "It was heartbreaking to see. So many of our fellow citizens lost their precious lives in this disaster," he said.

Forty-three people had been confirmed dead and 519 others remained missing as of 6 p.m. Saturday, according to Xinhua News Agency reports.

A Reuters reporter at the scene saw Chinese rescue workers searching for missing people, while the risk of landslides, adverse weather and deep mud further complicated rescue and recovery efforts.

CNN added that secondary disasters, including landslides and newly formed barrier lakes, repeatedly disrupted efforts. Heavy rain and rugged terrain have made conditions even more challenging.

Reaching Gyirong was a challenging journey. International media journalists documented the difficult trip. Given the vast and rugged terrain of Xizang, they drove for about eight hours from Lhasa on Saturday, reaching Dingri County at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters. They then traveled for another six hours before arriving in Gyirong.

Despite the conditions, Asghar, a correspondent for the Associated Press of Pakistan, said Chinese rescue teams had been working "around the clock."

Mukunda (transliteration), a reporter with the Press Trust of India, said China has demonstrated a strong capacity to respond to the crisis, with a large number of trained professionals and specialized machinery and equipment.

"We pay tribute to everyone involved in the rescue efforts. Their dedication and hard work are deeply moving," Mukunda said.

(By Gong Weiwei)