Devastating Earthquake in Northwestern China: Over 126 Lives Lost in Worst Quake in a Decade
Beijing Briefing: In a tragic overnight event, a powerful earthquake struck the mountainous region of Northwestern China, leading to widespread destruction and claiming at least 126 lives. This incident marks the country's most lethal earthquake since 2014.
Magnitude and Impact: The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.2, occurred just before midnight on Monday. It caused significant damage in Gansu and Qinghai provinces, injuring over 700 individuals, disrupting roads, and severing power and communication lines.
Emergency Response and Aftermath: Rescue teams are intensively searching for those missing amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings and landslides. Many of the displaced are facing harsh winter conditions in emergency shelters.
Personal Accounts: Residents like Ma Dongdong, whose house and business were partially destroyed, describe the overwhelming anxiety and fear as they faced aftershocks and harsh outdoor conditions.
Epicenter Details: The earthquake originated in Jishishan county, Gansu, at a depth of 10 kilometers, impacting the surrounding areas significantly.
Casualty Reports: According to state media, the majority of the fatalities occurred in Gansu, with additional deaths and injuries reported in Qinghai.
Aftershock Concerns: Numerous aftershocks have been recorded, adding to the region's distress.
Call for Aid: Authorities have requested additional personnel for rescue operations, highlighting the dire need for support in the affected areas.
Seismic Sensitivity: The region, known for its seismic activity, has witnessed several significant earthquakes in recent years, with the current event being the deadliest since the Yunnan province earthquake in 2014.
Expert Analysis: Specialists attribute the high casualty rate to the quake's shallow depth and other geological factors, compounded by the timing and structural vulnerabilities in the region.
National and International Response: Relief efforts are underway, with an emphasis on providing shelter and essential supplies to the victims. Chinese leadership is calling for an exhaustive search and rescue operation.
Climatic Challenges: The cold weather conditions are posing additional challenges for the rescue and relief efforts, with a pressing need for essential supplies.
Rescue Efforts in Action: Videos and reports show emergency teams working tirelessly through the night, navigating challenging conditions to assist the victims.
Local Experience: Residents recount their harrowing experiences and dilemmas over safety concerns in the quake's aftermath.
School Response: Educational institutions like Lanzhou University witnessed panicked evacuations, with students and faculty seeking safety outdoors.
Historical Context: In September 2022, a severe earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Sichuan, a southwestern province of China. This natural disaster led to the tragic loss of 93 lives. The earthquake caused landslides and severely shook the structures in Chengdu, the provincial capital, which was home to approximately 21 million people. At the time of the earthquake, the city was under strict COVID-19 lockdown measures, adding to the complexities of the emergency response.