In a tragic turn of events, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck the mountainous region of north western China, Jishishan County in Gansu Province. The disaster unfolded late at night, collapsing buildings and leaving at least 120 people dead while injuring over 500 others. As rescue efforts are underway, the affected areas grapple with the aftermath, compounded by frigid temperatures and a severe cold snap.
The earthquake, which occurred at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, had a devastating impact on Jishishan County and neighbouring Qinghai Province. In Gansu alone, 113 lives were lost, with an additional 13 casualties reported in the city of Haidong. The United States Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 5.9, while the China Earthquake Administration measured it at 6.2.
Disturbing images shared by state media reveal crumpled brick houses and rooms buried under rubble. The quake damaged 15,000 houses, disrupting essential services such as water, electricity, and transportation links. With temperatures plummeting to nearly -20 degrees Celsius during the quake, survivors were forced to confront the harsh reality of their altered lives.
Residents described being jolted awake, fleeing into the cold night with little time to grab extra clothing. Social media accounts from the quake site shared stories of makeshift bonfires and neighbours comforting each other. The shock of losing friends and family, coupled with the urgent need to assess home damage, left many grappling with the immediate aftermath.
As residents sought refuge in their cars or gathered around makeshift fires for warmth, the cold posed additional risks. Some risked re-entering damaged buildings to retrieve more clothing, highlighting the desperate conditions faced by survivors.
Rescue Operations after Earthquake in China
Rescue workers set up tents in affected villages and rushed to deliver tens of thousands of cots, blankets, mattresses, and coats. The affected communities, live-streaming their experiences on social media, expressed solidarity and determination to rebuild together. However, reports indicated that the local government lacked sufficient clothing, quilts, and shoes, necessitating support from the provincial government.
The aftermath of the earthquake presents formidable challenges for recovery efforts. The destruction of 15,000 houses compounds the already precarious situation in Gansu, where inadequate housing infrastructure has been a longstanding issue. The severe cold snap further complicates matters, making it imperative for relief agencies to provide not only immediate shelter but also long-term solutions for displaced communities.
Amidst the devastation, stories of resilience emerge as affected villagers share their experiences on social media. The collective determination to rebuild and support one another reflects the strength of these communities. The rebuilding process, however, will require sustained efforts and resources, underscoring the importance of national and international assistance.
Gansu, one of China’s poorest provinces, is home to Jishishan County, primarily composed of small townships and villages housing around 260,000 people. Despite the region being declared “poverty-free” in 2020, the earthquake exposes vulnerabilities in infrastructure, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
The earthquake-prone belt, stretching from Mongolia to Myanmar, encompasses parts of Gansu. Professor Xu Xiwei from the China University of Geosciences noted that many houses in the area may lack the necessary structural resilience to withstand earthquakes. The late-night timing of the quake likely contributed to difficulties in evacuation, exacerbating the casualties.
China’s State Council and the National Health Commission deployed teams to oversee rescue operations. President Xi Jinping emphasized the challenging conditions, directing efforts to repair infrastructure swiftly. Meanwhile, another earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Xinjiang, approximately 1,800 miles west of Jishishan. But information about causalities is not available yet.