Dozens of casualties were reportedly after a strong tremor hit China earlier this week. Rescue efforts are ongoing in hopes of recovering those who survived the earthquake.
Earthquake Killed More Than 100 People in China
An earthquake that struck northwest China on Monday night resulted in at least 116 deaths and 220 injuries. According to Chinese officials, the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that shook Gansu province at midnight (16:00 GMT) also impacted neighboring Qinghai.
The Muslim Hui people of China are governed by the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, which was affected by the earthquake on Monday night.
While China's seismic agency reported a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale, the US Geological Survey (USGS) measured a depth of 10 km (six miles) and a magnitude of 5.9. There have been roughly ten aftershocks, according to local authorities.
Video showed hospitals taking in victims and rescuers sifting through the debris left by fallen structures. Despite the bitter cold, thousands of rescuers attempted to assist those in the high-altitude location.
A second earthquake occurred on Tuesday, hours later, in nearby Xinjiang. Determining the extent of the 5.5 magnitude strike's devastation took time.
At a news briefing on Tuesday, the local government of Gansu's Jishishan county said that 105 people had died and 96 more had been injured in Gansu. In Qinghai, there had been a further 11 fatalities and 124 injuries, according to state media outlet Xinhua.
Gansu, one of China's poorest regions, has been the target of comprehensive rescue measures directed by President Xi Jinping. The location that appears to be most affected is Jishishan County.
Gansu borders Mongolia and is situated between the Tibetan and Loess plateaus.
"All efforts should be made to carry out search and rescue, treat the injured in a timely manner, and minimize casualties," President Xi said.
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How to Survive an Earthquake?
An earthquake is an unforeseen, violent tremor of the earth brought on by subsurface rock movement. Earthquakes can occur year-round, day or night, and without prior notice.
Determine safe havens inside your house and make preparations for an earthquake before it happens. Determine potential house hazards to reduce your risk of earthquake-related damage and harm. Additionally, stock your home's rooms with water, snacks, and an earthquake protection pack.
Before the next major earthquake, remember these earthquake survival tips:
- Draft a safety plan for earthquakes. Talk about how you will communicate during an earthquake, what to do, and where to meet if you are separated from your family. Examine emergency plans for work, child care, and school.
- Ensure everyone in your home knows how to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON.
- Doorways are not a reliable source of security. Under a desk or table, seek shelter during an earthquake. Wait for the shaking to stop.
- Assign secure locations to every room in your house.
- Put together an emergency survival pack that includes a three-day nonperishable food and water, medications, an emergency radio, and first aid supplies for you and your dogs, and store them in an accessible location.
- Designate a friend or relative living far away so family members can text updates.
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