Deadly Earthquake in Northwest China Claims Over 100 Lives Amidst Harsh Winter
Northwest China has been struck by a devastating earthquake, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 118 lives. The quake, the deadliest in China in nearly a decade, hit Jishishan county in Gansu Province late Monday night, causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. Rescue teams are now facing the arduous task of reaching survivors amidst sub-zero temperatures.
The 5.9-magnitude earthquake, as measured by the United States Geological Survey, occurred just before midnight, catching many residents off guard in their sleep. The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reported a slightly higher magnitude of 6.2. The quake's epicenter is near the border between Gansu and Qinghai provinces, in a mountainous region on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau.
In Gansu alone, provincial authorities reported 105 fatalities, 397 injuries, and damage to over 4,700 houses. The neighboring Qinghai province also felt the quake's impact, with 13 deaths, 182 injuries, and 20 people still missing.
Following the initial tremors, nine aftershocks of magnitude 3 and above were recorded. The quake was felt as far as Lanzhou, the provincial capital of Gansu, located 102 kilometers (63 miles) away. University students in Lanzhou recounted their harrowing experiences on social media, detailing their rush to safety amidst violent shakes.
The quake caused significant destruction, with some village homes collapsing into rubble. CCTV footage showed firefighters pulling survivors out of debris in the dark. Complicating rescue efforts, the quake disrupted essential services like water and electricity supply, as well as mobile signals in some areas.
In response to the crisis, at least 4,000 emergency personnel, including firefighters, police officers, and soldiers, have been dispatched to the disaster zone. They are equipped with thousands of tents, folding beds, quilts, and portable fire pits to aid in the relief efforts.
The cold weather, with temperatures dropping to -14 degrees Celsius (6.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in Jishishan, poses a significant challenge to the rescue operations. The first 72 hours, usually considered the golden period for rescue, are especially critical under these freezing conditions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts to search for survivors and treat the injured, emphasizing the challenging conditions of high altitude and cold weather. In support of the relief efforts, China’s Finance Ministry and Emergency Management Ministry have allocated 200 million yuan ($28 million) to the affected provinces.
This earthquake is the latest in a series of seismic events that have historically impacted China, particularly in regions where tectonic plates collide. The last major earthquake of similar magnitude occurred in Yunnan in 2014, claiming around 600 lives. The 2008 Sichuan earthquake remains one of the most devastating, with approximately 90,000 fatalities.
The current disaster in northwest China underscores the region's vulnerability to natural calamities and the challenges faced by rescue teams in harsh winter conditions. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the focus remains on saving lives and providing relief to those affected.