Powerful Earthquake Strikes Sichuan Province, Residents Take Shelter Outdoors
At 5:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake shook Lushan County in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, causing residents to flee their homes and seek safety outdoors. Just three minutes later, a magnitude 4.5 aftershock was recorded in nearby Baoxing County, adding to the urgency of the situation.
In Taiping Town, located within Lushan County, residents were seen gathering in open spaces, away from buildings and potential hazards. Exclusive footage provided by a CGTN stringer captured the tense moments as people sought refuge in parks and streets, carrying essentials and comforting one another.
“It was sudden and strong,” said Zhang Wei, a local resident. “We felt the ground shake violently, and everyone knew we had to get outside as quickly as possible.”
Emergency response teams were quickly mobilized to assess the situation and provide assistance. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, as aftershocks may continue in the coming days.
Sichuan Province sits along a seismic belt and has experienced significant earthquakes in the past, including the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The region has since implemented strict building codes and emergency preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.
As of now, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage. Assessment efforts are ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Authorities remind residents to keep calm, stay informed, and cooperate with emergency personnel. Those in affected areas are advised to stay in safe locations and avoid re-entering damaged structures until they have been inspected and deemed secure.
Reference(s):
Residents take shelter outdoors after M6.1 earthquake hits SW China
cgtn.com
