The Federal Government has expressed deep condolences to the Government and people of China following the devastating landslide in Tanchang County, Gansu Province, which claimed at least 21 lives, while reaffirming the longstanding strategic partnership between both countries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria stands in solidarity with China as rescue teams continue search-and-rescue operations and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
The landslide struck Tanchang County on Tuesday after heavy rainfall triggered the collapse of earth and debris, burying homes, disrupting transportation and leaving several people injured or displaced. Emergency responders were swiftly deployed to search for survivors, evacuate residents and deliver relief materials.
Describing the disaster as tragic, Ebienfa conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathy to the Chinese authorities and families of the victims.
“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 that Nigeria mourns the lives lost in the disaster and extends its thoughts and prayers to the bereaved families, the injured and all those whose homes and livelihoods were affected.
“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,” Ebienfa stated.
The Ministry also commended the prompt response of the Chinese government and 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,” the spokesperson said.
Reaffirming the close diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, Ebienfa noted that Nigeria and China have built a robust partnership founded 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 repose of the deceased, speedy recovery for those injured and comfort for grieving families.
China remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and a major financier of critical infrastructure projects, including railways, highways, airport terminals and power facilities. Both countries have continued to expand collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, security and human capital development under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The disaster has once again highlighted the vulnerability of China’s mountainous regions to landslides and flash floods during the annual rainy season. Although Chinese authorities have strengthened disaster preparedness, early warning systems and emergency response mechanisms in recent years, extreme rainfall continues to pose significant threats to lives and infrastructure.
Nigeria’s message joins a growing list of condolences from governments around the world as China continues rescue operations and begins recovery efforts in the affected communities.
