A powerful earthquake struck late Monday night in northwest China’s Gansu and Qinghai provinces, resulting in tragic consequences. State media reported a magnitude 6.2 quake, with at least 116 reported dead and over 230 people injured. The Global Times indicated that 105 individuals lost their lives in Gansu, while another 11 perished in the neighboring Qinghai province.
Search and rescue operations are currently going on in the affected areas. The earthquake wreaked havoc on communities, causing extensive damage to houses, roads, and infrastructure. Additionally, power and communication lines were disrupted.
Local authorities in Gansu province shared that, as of 7:50 am, the earthquake had claimed 105 lives and damaged more than 4,700 houses. By 9:30 am, the number of injuries had risen to 397, as reported in a press conference.
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued crucial instructions in response to the disaster, emphasizing comprehensive search and rescue efforts, proper resettlement of affected populations, and the utmost commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The earthquake’s epicenter was in Gansu province, near the border with Qinghai province. Videos on social media depicted collapsed houses and debris, with people fleeing to the streets for safety.
The US Geological Survey initially reported the earthquake as magnitude 6.0, later revising it to 5.9. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers at 11:59 pm local time on Monday. Emergency response measures were promptly initiated, with rescue personnel dispatched to the affected areas.
Several smaller aftershocks followed the main quake. The epicenter was approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province.
This earthquake is another reminder of the seismic activity that China experiences. In August, a shallow 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern China, resulting in injuries and the collapse of numerous buildings.
(Sources: News agencies)