A devastating mudslide has dramatically altered the landscape around Gyirong Port in southwest China, sweeping away roads and cutting off access to the disaster-hit area as rescue teams continue their search for survivors.
The Ministry of Water Resources said the barrier lake formed following the disaster has reached its overflow point and begun discharging water. Its volume has crossed 2.5 million cubic metres, equivalent to more than 1,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Roads swept away as disaster zone becomes harder to reach
The mudslide has destroyed or covered roads around Gyirong Port, making access to the affected area increasingly difficult. The changing terrain has added to the challenges faced by rescue personnel working in the region.
With roads cut off, reaching parts of the disaster zone has become more complicated as teams continue efforts to locate and assist survivors.
Rescue teams face dangerous conditions
Rescue workers are operating amid strong currents and unstable ground, while the possibility of further landslides remains a serious threat.
The overflowing barrier lake has added another layer of danger to the rescue operation, requiring teams to work carefully as water continues to flow from the lake.
Barrier lake raises fresh concerns
The lake’s volume of more than 2.5 million cubic metres highlights the scale of water accumulation following the mudslide. Authorities are closely watching the situation as the lake has now begun discharging water.
Rescue teams remain focused on the search for survivors despite the difficult and potentially hazardous conditions.
The disaster has left the area around Gyirong Port significantly transformed, with damaged access routes and unstable terrain complicating the ongoing emergency response.