December 18, 2023 A powerful magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck Jishishan county in China‘s northwestern province of Gansu, on the northern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, around midnight on Tuesday. The seismic event has resulted in at least 111 reported deaths and over 230 injuries, according to Chinese state media. The quake, occurring at a depth of 10 km, has prompted extensive rescue and relief efforts in the affected region.
The earthquake’s epicenter was 5 km from the border between Gansu and a neighboring province, with strong tremors felt in various parts of Qinghai province. The area, characterized by its remote and mountainous terrain, poses challenges for rescue operations. The affected county, Jishishan, is known for its high altitude, and the cold weather in the region adds complexity to relief efforts.
Rescue personnel, including firefighters, forest brigades, and emergency response teams, have been deployed to the disaster zone, along with military and police assistance. The national commission for disaster prevention, reduction, and relief, as well as the Ministry of Emergency Management, have activated a level-IV disaster relief emergency.
Given the high-altitude location and freezing temperatures, there is a heightened focus on preventing secondary disasters beyond the earthquake. Some infrastructure, including water, electricity, transportation, and communications, has been damaged, and efforts are underway to restore services. Videos and photos on social media depict collapsed buildings and residents seeking safety in open spaces.
The earthquake in Gansu follows a recent surge in seismic activity in the region, with western provinces such as Gansu being prone to earthquakes due to their location on the eastern boundary of the tectonically active Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. The earthquake comes as China continues to grapple with freezing temperatures from a cold wave that has affected the country.
China’s deadliest earthquake in recent decades occurred in 2008 when a magnitude-8.0 temblor struck Sichuan, resulting in nearly 70,000 casualties. The current earthquake has prompted a level of urgency in rescue and relief efforts to mitigate the impact on affected communities.
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