China has launched a national emergency response after a mudslide caused casualties and left people missing in Gyirong County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, the Ministry of Emergency Management said on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Emergency Management immediately dispatched a working team to assist rescue efforts and sent 249 firefighters from national comprehensive fire and rescue teams, along with 325 personnel from engineering rescue teams.

(Photo: Xinhua)

Specialized equipment, including satellite communication support systems and aerial magnetic detection devices, was also sent to the disaster area to support communications and search and rescue operations.

The National Commission for Disaster Reduction and the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level II national emergency response. Together with the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, they allocated 30,000 pieces of relief supplies, including tents, heating equipment, clothing, quilts, folding beds and moisture-proof mats, to support the relocation and assistance of affected residents.