How is China Responding to the Missing Persons After Gansu Mountain Floods?
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Synopsis
In a determined response to the devastating mountain torrents in Gansu Province, China is mobilizing its resources and expertise to ensure the safety of missing individuals. With Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing leading the charge, the nation is prioritizing search and rescue operations while addressing the needs of affected communities.
Key Takeaways
- Search and rescue efforts are the top priority for authorities.
- Government funding of 100 million yuan is aimed at restoring infrastructure.
- Compassionate care for victims’ families is emphasized.
- Improved forecasting and monitoring of extreme weather is necessary.
- Emergency response measures have been activated.
Beijing, Aug 9 (NationPress) Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts to locate individuals reported missing due to severe mountain torrents in Yuzhong County, located in northwest China's Gansu Province, while overseeing emergency response operations at the disaster site.
Zhang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, traveled to the county on Friday evening to spearhead the on-ground search and rescue missions and emergency response initiatives. He visited the most impacted villages, including Maliantan and Jiuzhuanggou, as well as a medical facility and several temporary shelters for displaced residents.
At the command center on-site, Zhang convened a meeting regarding rescue and relief efforts, underscoring that locating the missing remains the highest priority. He urged rescue personnel to act swiftly while being mindful of potential secondary disasters, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He highlighted the importance of providing meticulous care for the injured and showing compassion towards the families of victims, directing officials to guarantee satisfactory living conditions for all displaced residents.
Zhang also called for the rapid restoration of damaged transportation, telecommunications, and power infrastructures.
In light of the recent series of extreme weather events, he urged for improved rainfall forecasting, continuous monitoring of areas at risk for mountain torrents and geological hazards, and the prompt relocation of at-risk citizens.
On Friday, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China announced the allocation of 100 million yuan (approximately 14 million US dollars) from its central budget to support Gansu.
The funding will prioritize restoring damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water conservation projects, and public service facilities in affected regions, hastening the return to normalcy in production and daily life, according to the NDRC.
The national commission for disaster prevention, reduction, and relief initiated a Level-IV emergency response on Friday, the lowest tier in China's four-tier emergency response system, to address the floods in Gansu.
Specialized personnel have been dispatched to the impacted areas to assist with local relief efforts, focusing on ensuring the basic livelihoods of affected residents.
Point of View
I believe that the timely and compassionate response by the Chinese government to the Gansu mountain floods is critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. The emphasis on search and rescue operations reflects the nation's commitment to protecting its people in the face of natural disasters.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures are being taken to find missing persons?
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has called for comprehensive search efforts and has prioritized locating the missing individuals in the affected areas.
How is the government supporting the affected residents?
The government has allocated 100 million yuan to restore infrastructure and enhance living conditions for displaced residents.
What is the level of emergency response initiated?
A Level-IV emergency response, the lowest level in China's system, has been initiated to manage the floods in Gansu.
What is being done to prevent future disasters?
Vice Premier Zhang has urged for improved rainfall forecasting and monitoring of vulnerable areas to mitigate future risks.
Which areas were most affected by the mountain torrents?
The hardest-hit villages include Maliantan and Jiuzhuanggou in Yuzhong County, Gansu Province.
