At least 127 dead in northwest China quake
At least 127 people were killed when an earthquake collapsed buildings in northwest China after a strong, shallow tremor struck at around midnight on Monday. The quake's epicentre was about 100 kilometres southwest of Gansu province's capital, Lanzhou. Xinhua news agency reported that it was magnitude 6.2, while the US Geological Survey logged it as magnitude 5.9, which struck at a depth of 10 kilometres. At least 113 people were killed and hundreds injured in Gansu province, local officials said.  Officials said at least 14 were killed and more than 180 injured in the neighbouring province of Qinghai. The quake caused significant damage, including collapsed houses, and sent people running into the street for safety, Xinhua reported. Power and water supplies were disrupted in some villages, and fallen ceilings and other debris could be seen in videos posted on social media. Officials launched an emergency response and dispatched rescue personnel to the area just after the quake. President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" in the search and relief work. Beijing has also allocated 200 million yuan for rescue operations. Han Shujun, a spokesperson for Gansu’s emergency management department, told a press conference that rescue crews were also repairing damaged infrastructure. “At the same time, I appeal to all social volunteers and members of the public not to go to the affected region to avoid traffic congestion as we need to keep all routes clear to save lives." Authorities warned that there may still be aftershocks in the coming five days, adding they've also sent stoves and blankets so that people can keep warm in freezing temperatures. Chief Executive John Lee, who's on a duty visit to Beijing, offered condolences to victims of the quake on social media. He said the government will offer support to those affected through its Disaster Relief Fund. The Acting Chief Executive, Eric Chan, also said assistance will be provided to those in need. "Whenever there are catastrophes in other places, we will respond swiftly. We will keep closely monitoring the earthquake situation in Gansu and initiate the mechanism and provide appropriate relief to our fellow nationals through the fund."_____________________________
Last updated: 2023-12-19 HKT 20:55 