By John Azu
The Federal Government has expressed condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Government of China, and its people following a devastating landslide in Gansu Province that claimed at least 21 lives.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria stands in solidarity with China as rescue and relief operations continue in Tanchang County.
According to the statement, the disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, struck the mountainous area of northwestern China’s Gansu Province on Tuesday, July 7. The landslide buried homes, cut off access roads and affected several communities, with farmers among the worst hit.
Emergency responders were deployed to search for survivors, evacuate residents and provide relief to affected communities.
Ebienfa said Nigeria shares in China’s grief over the tragedy.
“Nigeria mourns the loss of lives in this disaster, which has claimed at least 21 lives, with others affected amid the rescue operations.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, the injured, and all those who have lost loved ones or property in this unfortunate incident,” the statement read in part.
He also commended the Chinese authorities for their prompt response to the emergency.
“Nigeria commends the swift response of the Chinese authorities and rescue teams in their efforts to save lives and provide relief to those impacted,” it added.
The ministry noted that the tragedy comes against the backdrop of longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and China, describing Beijing as one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and a major financier of critical infrastructure projects, including railways, airport terminals, highways and power projects.
It added that both countries have continued to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, security, agriculture, technology and human capital development under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s support for China during the difficult period, Ebienfa said, “Nigeria and China share a long-standing strategic partnership built on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation.
“Nigeria stands in solidarity with China during this difficult time, and we are confident in the resilience of the Chinese people and government as they work towards recovery and rehabilitation in the affected areas.”
He also offered prayers for the victims and their families.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, the speedy recovery of the injured, and strength and comfort for the bereaved families,” he added.
The landslide is the latest in a series of weather-related disasters to hit China’s mountainous regions during the rainy season. Despite improvements in early warning systems and disaster response mechanisms, authorities continue to grapple with the impact of extreme rainfall on vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.