Jishishan County, Gansu Province—Relief efforts are underway in northwest China after a magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck Jishishan County in Gansu Province on December 18, resulting in 127 fatalities.
The powerful quake claimed the lives of 113 people in Gansu Province and an additional 14 in the neighboring Qinghai Province. The earthquake’s epicenter was located just 5 kilometers from the border between the two provinces, intensifying its impact across the region.
Dahejia Town in Jishishan County has been identified as the hardest-hit area. Yan Wei, deputy director of the Gansu Blue Sky Rescue Team’s rescue center, confirmed that relief supplies have arrived in the town. “We are setting up 100 tents to resettle villagers who have lost their homes,” Yan Wei stated, emphasizing the urgency of providing shelter amid cold winter conditions.
Rescue teams and volunteers are working tirelessly to distribute essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid. Local authorities have mobilized resources to restore infrastructure and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.
This seismic event underscores the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes due to its geological positioning. Both Gansu and Qinghai provinces have experienced significant seismic activity in the past, prompting ongoing efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
International observers and neighboring countries have expressed their condolences and offered support. As relief operations continue, the focus remains on providing immediate assistance to survivors and commencing the long-term rebuilding process.
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Relief supplies arrive in NW China after M6.2 earthquake kills 127
cgtn.com
