A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck northwestern China moments before midnight on Monday, resulting in hundreds of casualties, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.
The tremor’s epicenter was in the mountainous region of China’s Gansu Province, claiming the lives of at least 100 individuals, with neighboring Qinghai Province reporting an additional 11 fatalities. The seismic activity severely damaged numerous residences, infrastructure, and disrupted essential services like transportation, communications, and utilities, local media reported.
In response to the catastrophe, authorities dispatched dozens of ambulances and a significant number of rescue personnel to assist victims and manage the aftermath.
By 6:30 am on Tuesday, reports indicated that around 300 individuals had received medical treatment for various injuries, as reported by the Global Times.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged for an exhaustive search and rescue operation aimed at reducing casualties and securing the lives and property of affected individuals, according to state news agency Xinhua.
