Young Volunteers Power Disaster Relief Behind Scenes

A recent mudslide in Gyirong, a remote border county in the Xizang autonomous region, has seen young volunteers from China's Go West program stepping up to provide crucial support. These volunteers, with the oldest born in 1999 and most others between 2000 and 2003, arrived in Gyirong township after the Aug 26 disaster. They focused on logistical tasks, including arranging accommodation, distributing supplies, and preparing meals for displaced residents and rescue personnel.

The relief efforts faced initial challenges, including communication barriers due to few volunteers speaking Tibetan and strained food and accommodation resources. However, local authorities worked to provide additional support. Simultaneously, other Go West volunteers assisted in the county seat, handling inquiries from families of the missing and managing public service hotlines. The mudslide itself was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche originating from a high-altitude glacier in Nepal.

As of Friday evening, the disaster had resulted in 31 confirmed deaths and 531 missing individuals in Gyirong. The volunteers, including 27-year-old Hao Zhen, have found new appreciation for the vital role of behind-the-scenes support in disaster response, understanding that keeping operations running smoothly is as critical as frontline rescue efforts.