China Earthquake.. Death toll rises to 118
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook a remote mountainous province on the northern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China last night.
The earthquake has resulted in the death of at least 118 people and the injury of hundreds, according to official media.
Rescue efforts may prove challenging in sub-zero temperatures. Most parts of China are experiencing extremely low temperatures with the ongoing cold wave that started last week. Official media reported that 20 people are missing in the aftermath of the earthquake, following hours of rescue and relief efforts that began before sunrise.
Earthquakes are common in western regions like Gansu, located on the eastern border of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which is a seismic activity zone.
The most powerful earthquake China witnessed in recent decades occurred in 2008 when an 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan, resulting in the death of nearly 70,000 people.
Yesterday’s earthquake epicenter was five kilometers from the border between Gansu and a neighboring province. Xinhua, the Chinese news agency, reported that residents in many parts of the Qinghai province felt strong tremors.
In Gansu, 105 people were killed in the earthquake as of 7:50 am Tuesday (2350 GMT Monday), and 397 were injured as of 9:30 am, including 16 in critical condition, according to local authorities in a press conference.
Official media reported that the death toll in Qinghai has risen to at least 13 people, in addition to 182 injured.
Xinhua reported that around 3,500 rescue teams have been sent to the disaster area, adding that the military and police are also participating in rescue efforts.
