116 dead, hundreds trapped: Northwest China reels after deadly earthquake

At least 116 people were killed and hundreds injured in a powerful earthquake that struck northwest China early on Tuesday morning, bringing buildings crashing down and sending residents fleeing into the frigid streets.

The magnitude 5.9 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey, hit Gansu province near the border with Qinghai, where Haidong is located. The epicenter was about 100 kilometers southwest of Gansu's capital, Lanzhou.

Widespread Devastation and Rescue Efforts:

• Homes collapsed and significant damage was reported across the affected area, forcing people to evacuate in freezing temperatures.
• Rescue work is underway with over 3,000 firefighters and medical personnel deployed to the disaster zone.
• President Xi Jinping called for "all-out efforts" in the search and relief operation, urging rescuers to be vigilant for aftershocks and secondary disasters.

Impact Beyond Gansu:

• Tremors were felt in the major city of Xi'an, roughly 570 kilometers away, and several smaller aftershocks followed the initial quake.
• Power and water supplies were disrupted in some villages around the epicenter, with residents relying on fire and emergency assistance.
• Footage showed rescue workers clearing debris, providing medical aid, and distributing essential supplies like drinking water, blankets, and food.

History of Seismic Activity:

• China is no stranger to earthquakes, having experienced a 5.4-magnitude tremor in eastern China in August and a 6.6-magnitude quake in Sichuan province in September 2022.
• The most devastating earthquake in recent memory was the 7.9-magnitude tremor in 2008, which left over 87,000 people dead or missing.

Continuing Concerns:

• Officials warned of potential aftershocks exceeding magnitude 5.0 in the coming days, raising concerns about further damage and instability.
• Efforts are focused on locating survivors, providing medical care to the injured, and ensuring basic necessities for those affected by the disaster.

This earthquake has caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction in northwest China. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and concerns remain regarding aftershocks and the well-being of those impacted by this tragedy.