Communication support workers set up a 4G/5G base station at the mudslide-hit area in Gyirong county, Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, Aug 30, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

Communication signals have reached the core rescue area at Gyirong Port in Gyirong county, Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, after emergency base stations were set up to restore services disrupted by a deadly mudslide, local authorities said on Aug 30.

The first emergency base station near the border gate at Gyirong Port began operating at 1:30 pm on Aug 30, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Nyima Dorje, director of the Xizang Communications Administration, said a newly built base station at the forefront of road repair operations had successfully connected a call with rescuers at the port, marking the extension of communication coverage to the core rescue site.

So far, telecommunications companies in Xizang have restored one damaged base station and built eight new ones. Two of the new stations were set up along the route from Gyirong county seat to Gyirong town, while six were built between Gyirong town and Gyirong Port.

The restored communication network is expected to provide stronger support for rescue coordination and emergency operations in the disaster-hit area.

The mudslide struck Gyirong Port on the morning of Aug 26 after originating on the Nepalese side of the China-Nepal border, causing major casualties and leaving people missing.

The disaster severely damaged infrastructure leading to the port, cutting off electricity and telecommunications services and complicating rescue operations.