The Federal Government has extended its condolences to the Government and people of China following the devastating landslide that struck Tanchang County in Gansu Province, killing at least 21 people, while reaffirming the enduring strategic partnership between both countries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, described the disaster as tragic and said Nigeria stood in solidarity with China as rescue teams continued efforts to reach victims and support affected communities.
The landslide occurred on Tuesday in Tanchang County, a mountainous area in northwestern China’s Gansu Province, where heavy rainfall triggered the collapse of earth and debris, burying homes and disrupting transportation. Emergency responders were immediately deployed to search for survivors, evacuate residents and provide humanitarian assistance.
Expressing the Federal Government’s sympathy, Ebienfa said Nigeria shared in China’s grief over the lives lost.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria expresses deep condolences to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China following the tragic landslide that struck Tanchang County in Gansu Province on Tuesday, July 7, 2026,” he said.
He added: “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 spokesperson also commended the swift response mounted by the Chinese authorities, praising emergency personnel for their efforts to rescue survivors and provide relief to victims.
“Nigeria commends the swift response of the Chinese authorities and rescue teams in their efforts to save lives and provide relief to those impacted,” he stated.
Ebienfa reaffirmed the strength of the diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and China, describing it as a longstanding strategic partnership built on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation.
“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 said.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of those who died, the speedy recovery of the injured and strength for bereaved families.
The latest tragedy underscores the vulnerability of many mountainous regions in China to landslides and flash floods during the annual rainy season, despite improvements in early warning systems and emergency response mechanisms.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
