Beijing, Aug 9, 2025 — Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has urged “all-out efforts” to locate people missing after devastating mountain torrents struck Yuzhong County in Gansu Province. Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, arrived on Friday evening to oversee rescue operations and guide the emergency response.
He visited the worst-hit villages of Maliantan and Jiuzhuanggou, as well as a hospital and temporary shelters housing relocated residents. At the on-site command centre, Zhang stressed that the search for missing persons remains the top priority and called for swift but cautious operations to avoid secondary disasters. He also directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured, compassion for victims’ families, and adequate living conditions for all displaced people.
Zhang urged the rapid restoration of damaged transport, telecommunications, and power infrastructure, while highlighting the need for accurate rainfall forecasting, closer monitoring of high-risk areas, and prompt evacuation of residents vulnerable to mountain torrents and geological hazards.
To support recovery, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced the allocation of 100 million yuan (about USD 14 million) from the central budget. The funds will be used to repair roads, bridges, water conservancy systems, and public service facilities in the affected areas, aiming to accelerate the return to normal life and production.
In response to the disaster, China’s National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief has initiated a Level-IV emergency response, the lowest in the country’s four-tier system. Specialised personnel have been deployed to assist with relief efforts, focusing on restoring livelihoods and providing essential supplies to impacted communities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that ongoing extreme weather could pose further risks in the days ahead.
