A powerful earthquake struck a mountainous region in northwestern China late on Monday night, causing buildings to collapse and trapping unsuspecting individuals in their sleep.
A devastating earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck on Tuesday morning, resulting in the confirmed deaths of over 100 individuals individuals and leaving 300 others injured.In the remote Jishishan county, located near the border between Gansu and Qinghai provinces, a frantic rescue effort persisted on Tuesday amidst freezing temperatures. It is anticipated that the death toll will increase as the situation unfolds, USA Today reported.
Northwest China Earthquake Kills Over 100, Injures 300
Collapsed buildings and a damaged car are seen after an earthquake in Dahejia, Jishishan County, in northwest China's Gansu province on December 19, 2023. At least 111 people were killed when an earthquake collapsed buildings in northwest China, state media reported on December 19, as rescue workers raced to start digging through rubble.
In a recent development, Chinese state media has released a video showcasing the valiant efforts of firefighters as they tirelessly dig through debris in a race against time to locate survivors.
However, it is important to note that the bitter cold and challenging high-altitude terrain are posing significant obstacles, making the search and rescue operation an arduous task. Per Thw Waashington Post, an earthquake in China's Sichuan province has sparked a wave of public outcry regarding the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown measures.
In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, Xi Jinping, the influential leader of China, has made a fervent appeal for a comprehensive search and rescue operation. He has also emphasized the need for heightened caution regarding potential "secondary disasters" resulting from the fluctuating weather conditions or subsequent aftershocks.
According to the official Xinhua News Agency, basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, communication, and transportation networks have also suffered damage.Gansu and Qinghai, located on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, are widely recognized as two of the most economically disadvantaged and culturally diverse areas within China.
Jishishan, a region situated approximately 6,500 feet above sea-level, is home to the Bonan people, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority in China. According to recent data, the average disposable income in the county stands at slightly over $2,600 per year, which is approximately half of the national average.
According to the US Geological Survey, the magnitude of the earthquake has been reported as 5.9. Various essential services such as water and electricity lines, transportation, and communications infrastructure have suffered damage.
In Lanzhou, the Gansu provincial capital, the earthquake was felt approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of the epicenter.
China Earthquake Prompts Evacuation
In a recent social media post, it has been reported that university students in Lanzhou were seen hastily vacating their dormitories. The accompanying images depict a group of young individuals gathered outside the premises.
According to CCTV, an assortment of tents, folding beds, and quilts were being dispatched to the disaster area. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been quoted as urging for a comprehensive search and rescue operation to minimize the number of casualties.The area experienced an overnight low ranging from minus 15 to 9 degrees Celsius (5 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit).
In the mountainous region of western China, which comprises the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, earthquakes are a relatively frequent occurrence.
In September of last year, a devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck China's southwestern province of Sichuan, resulting in the reported deaths of at least 74 individuals. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, triggering landslides and causing buildings to shake in the provincial capital of Chengdu.
Chengdu was under a COVID-19 lockdown, at that time, with a staggering population of 21 million residents affected by the restrictions. In 2008, China experienced a devastating earthquake in Sichuan, which stands as the country's deadliest earthquake in recent times.
With a magnitude of 7.9, this seismic event claimed the lives of nearly 90,000 individuals. In the aftermath of the temblor, towns, schools, and rural communities located outside Chengdu were left devastated. This catastrophic event prompted a long-term endeavor to reconstruct these areas using materials that are more resilient and resistant to future disasters.
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