After a powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai in China, rescue efforts are being severely challenged by the harsh cold weather conditions. The catastrophic quake, which occurred just before midnight on Monday, has resulted in at least 126 fatalities and over 500 injuries. This disaster marks the deadliest seismic event in China since the 2010 Yushu earthquake.
The quake prompted residents to flee their homes amid sub-zero temperatures, exacerbating the crisis. Reports indicate that thousands of houses have been damaged, and public infrastructure has suffered significantly. As of Tuesday, the Gansu authorities confirmed 113 deaths and 397 injuries, while Qinghai reported 13 fatalities, 182 injured, and 20 people still missing.
Rescuers are racing against time and the severe cold, with temperatures plummeting to -14C in the high-altitude regions affected by the earthquake. Wang Duo, a team leader from the Gansu Houtian disaster rescue center, acknowledged that the frigid temperatures pose the greatest challenge to the rescue operations.
China’s President Xi Jinping has urged for “all-out efforts” in the search and rescue mission. Over 3,000 firefighters have been deployed, alongside hundreds of military personnel. Taxis are being utilized to ferry the injured to hospitals, and makeshift camps have been established in public areas to aid the victims.
In response to the calamity, the ministries of finance and emergency management have released 200 million yuan in emergency funds. Relief materials, including tents, folding beds, and quilts, are being sent to the affected areas. The People’s Liberation Army Western Theatre has established a command center to coordinate the extensive rescue efforts, involving thousands of firefighters, soldiers, and police officers.
The earthquake and subsequent rescue challenges underscore the vulnerability of regions to natural disasters, particularly in areas with extreme weather conditions. The ongoing efforts reflect the urgency and complexity of disaster response in such challenging environments.
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