A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked China’s Gansu province early Monday, leaving at least 115 people dead and nearly 400 injured. The shallow tremor struck around midnight, causing widespread damage and triggering frantic rescue efforts in freezing conditions.’
CCTV footage captured the terrifying moment buildings swayed and then collapsed, sending residents scrambling into the streets in fear. Homes crumbled, walls cracked, and debris littered the devastated landscape.
“I was almost scared to death,” said a survivor, her voice trembling as she described the ordeal. “As soon as I ran out of the house, the earth on the mountain gave way, thudding on the roof.”
The epicenter of the quake was Jishishan County in Linxia, but tremors were felt in neighbouring Qinghai province as well. Initial reports from Haidong City in Qinghai indicated 11 additional deaths and 100 injuries.
President Xi Jinping issued immediate orders for “all-out efforts” in rescue and relief operations. Emergency teams, including firefighters, medical personnel, and soldiers, were deployed to the affected areas, battling freezing temperatures and debris to search for survivors and provide aid.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with fears of the death toll rising as rescue efforts continue. Images circulating online reveal scenes of utter devastation, with collapsed buildings exposing personal belongings and shattered lives.
This tragedy highlights the vulnerability of China, a country prone to natural disasters. Just last month, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook Sichuan province, claiming over 80 lives and injuring thousands.
As rescue efforts progress, questions remain about the effectiveness of earthquake preparedness measures and building codes in vulnerable regions. This disaster serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust infrastructure and disaster planning to minimize the impact of such events on a nation and its people.
Key points:
- 6.2-magnitude earthquake hits Gansu province in China.
- Over 115 people were killed and nearly 400 were injured.
- Widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- Rescue efforts are underway in freezing conditions.
- President Xi Jinping orders “all-out efforts” to assist victims.
- Concerns about the rising death toll and insufficient disaster preparedness.
