A broadcast on August 31 marked the first live report from the Gyirong land port since disaster struck the China-Nepal border on August 26. It showed a few key details about ongoing rescue operations in the worst-hit area on the Chinese side:
1. Communications have been restored after an emergency base station was installed about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) from the port the previous day.
2. The ground at Gyirong port is waist-deep mud, on top of layers of sand and rock, making every step difficult.
3. Radar life detectors and search dogs are being used to search for signs of life beneath the debris.
4. A water tower on a hillside is reportedly the only structure still visible, while only the foundation remains of the port’s main building.
5. Helicopters are transporting rescuers and supplies to the port, while crews work to restore the final kilometer of road corridor.