19-12-2023 (BEIJING) Tragedy struck China’s north-western Gansu province as an overnight earthquake claimed the lives of over 100 people, with scores more left injured. The seismic event, which occurred on December 19, devastated the region, leading to collapsed houses and widespread damage. State broadcaster CCTV, citing the provincial earthquake relief headquarters, reported 11 casualties and over 100 injuries in Haidong, a city located in the neighbouring province of Qinghai.
The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 5.9 according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), struck in Gansu near the border with Qinghai. Haidong is approximately 100km southwest of Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province. Several smaller aftershocks followed the initial quake.
As the news of the disaster unfolded, President Xi Jinping urged “all-out efforts” in the search and relief operations. Rescue work commenced immediately, with the Chinese authorities mobilizing emergency response teams and dispatching personnel to the affected areas. Xinhua, the state news agency, reported the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.2.
The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10km at 11:59 pm local time on December 18 (15:59 GMT), disrupted power and water supplies in some local villages. Videos circulating on social media depicted fallen ceilings and debris, showcasing the extent of the destruction.
In response to the crisis, provincial leaders were en route to oversee relief efforts. Despite the swift action taken, earthquakes are not unfamiliar to China. In August of the same year, a shallow 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern China, resulting in 23 injuries and the collapse of numerous buildings. In September 2022, a 6.6-magnitude quake hit Sichuan province, claiming nearly 100 lives.
The haunting memory of the devastating 7.9-magnitude earthquake in 2008, which left over 87,000 people dead or missing, including 5,335 school pupils, remains etched in the nation’s collective consciousness. As China grapples with the aftermath of yet another seismic event, the resilience of communities and the effectiveness of emergency response efforts will once again be put to the test.
@ecwidman #甘肅6 ♬ 原聲 – 吳鈞樂
