International: September 6: The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is playing an active role in relief and rescue operations following a landslide in Chiron County in Xizang, China. Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a regular press briefing on September 5.

He said members of the People’s Armed Police Force are also participating in the relief and rescue operations.

Jiang Bin said a landslide recently occurred in Chiron County, Xizang, causing a significant number of casualties and leaving people missing. Following the disaster, the PLA and the People’s Armed Police Force firmly implemented the spirit of important instructions issued by Chinese President Xi Jinping, immediately activated emergency response measures and provided full support for local disaster relief and rescue operations.

He said that as of September 3, a total of 726 officers and soldiers, 24 pieces of engineering equipment and 60 sets of specialized equipment had been deployed, along with more than 20 helicopters and drones. They actively carried out search and rescue operations, road clearance, transportation and supply missions, as well as medical services and epidemic prevention work.

More than 13,900 cubic meters of landslide debris were cleared, while 77 rescuers and 1.23 tonnes of equipment and relief supplies were airlifted to the main disaster-hit area. Medical services were provided to more than 900 local residents and rescue personnel.

He further said, “People come first, and life comes first.” The PLA is racing against time on the front lines of the rescue operation to search for missing persons and reduce casualties. “As long as there is even a glimmer of hope, China will never give up.”

Source: Ruby-Alim-Akash, China Media Group.