China quake kills 118, Jishishan devastated
A powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Jishishan County in Gansu Province, northwest China, on Monday evening, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming at least 118 lives, as reported by BBC.
Hundreds more were injured as the temblor, centred roughly 100 kilometres southwest of the provincial capital Lanzhou, wreaked havoc across the region.
"We are still receiving reports of casualties," a local official grimly told Xinhua News Agency, highlighting the ongoing search for survivors amidst the rubble. Rescue teams, numbering in the thousands, are relentlessly combing through the affected area, battling against time and hope to find those still trapped.
Jishishan County bore the brunt of the earthquake's fury, with over 4,782 houses sustaining severe damage or complete destruction. Authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the disaster zone to avoid hindering rescue operations and allow for unhindered access to emergency services.
Tremors from the earthquake were felt across several Chinese provinces, raising concerns about further damage. The Tibetan Plateau, where Jishishan lies, is a hotbed of seismic activity due to its proximity to several active fault lines. This vulnerability was tragically underscored in 2008 when a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan Province took over 87,000 lives.
Compounding the immediate challenges, officials have warned of the potential for more aftershocks, with at least 10 already recorded. This ongoing threat adds to the anxiety and uncertainty gripping the region as it grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.
Beyond the immediate human cost, the economic impact of the earthquake is still being assessed. Infrastructure damage, including potential disruptions to transportation and communication networks, could further hamper recovery efforts.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
