Chinese military, armed police rescuers rush to quake-hit areas in Xizang

January 8th (AMSP/CGTN) – – The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), People’s Armed Police Force, and reserve military have been sparing no efforts in searching and rescuing survivors after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday morning.

Command personnel from the PLA Western Theater Command arrived at the Dingri Airport aboard the domestically developed Y-20 transport aircraft at around 17:00.

The Y-20, with a maximum takeoff weight of around 200 tonnes, is well-suited for transporting cargo and personnel over long distances.

The PLA’s Xizang Military Comand dispatched three medical teams with 70 medics to the quake-hit county, carrying emergency medicines and medical equipment.

A total of 143 tents, 49 sets of heating equipment, 18 generators, and 227 folding beds have been allocated to ensure that survivors can spend the nights warmly.

The People’s Armed Police Force Xizang Contingent have deployed nearly 600 officers and soldiers to the worst-hit areas of Dingri for rescue. So far, the armed police officers have resettled more than 120 residents, freed 32 buried people, and provided medical treatment to 12 people.

“We immediately started earthquake relief and rescue work after arriving at the epicenter. Now we have preliminarily completed the transfer of the affected people and the injured. For the next step, we will spare no effort in searching and rescuing survivors, and providing medical treatment to the injured people. We will set up tents, and ensure hot food supply and medical services, so that residents here can safely spend the first night after the earthquake on such a cold plateau,” said Chen Li, a PLA officer.

The PLA’s Xizang Military Comand has deployed a second batch of over 800 emergency rescuers. In addition, more than 2,200 professional rescuers like sappers and chemical defense soldiers are on standby to provide reinforcements.

Six helicopters are also on standby for the follow-up rescue.

The earthquake hit Dingri County in the city of Xigaze at 09:05 on Tuesday, with the epicenter located in Tsogo Township of Dingri. A total of 95 people had been confirmed dead and 130 others injured as of 15:00 Tuesday.