In a tragic event, a powerful earthquake struck northwest China, claiming the lives of at least 116 people and injuring nearly 500, as reported by state media on Tuesday. The quake caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings in Gansu province and Haidong city in the neighbouring province of Qinghai.
The earthquake, with a magnitude initially recorded as 6.0 by the US Geological Survey but later revised to 5.9, occurred near the border of Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Local authorities confirmed that at least 105 people lost their lives in Gansu, while another 11 were reported dead in Haidong. Additionally, around 400 people were injured in Gansu, and 100 in Haidong.
The quake struck around midnight, causing panic as people rushed into the streets for safety. Footage from the affected areas showed homes reduced to rubble and significant damage to infrastructure. The chilling temperatures in the high-altitude region added to the challenges faced by rescue workers, who raced against time to search for survivors.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” in the search and relief work, acknowledging the difficult conditions faced by rescuers. The cold temperatures raised concerns about secondary disasters, and authorities are on alert for potential aftershocks.
Rescue operations, involving over 1,400 firefighters and rescue personnel, were underway, with emergency supplies, including drinking water, blankets, stoves, and instant noodles, being sent to the affected areas. Hundreds of people have been evacuated, and the region is on high alert for the possibility of further tremors.
This tragic incident follows previous earthquakes in China, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The Chinese government continues to prioritize disaster response and recovery efforts to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters on its population.
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