Beijing, China — Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presided over a pivotal leadership meeting on Thursday to coordinate relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri County in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region earlier this week.
The magnitude-6.8 earthquake hit Dingri County in the city of Xigaze at 9:05 a.m. on Tuesday, resulting in 126 fatalities and injuring 188 others. Rescuers have successfully saved 407 individuals who were trapped in the aftermath.
During the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Xi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that disaster relief is at a critical juncture. He called for unwavering commitment and no slackening in the ongoing relief work.
“Efforts must be made to ensure a decisive victory in this tough battle against the disaster,” the meeting stressed, highlighting the importance of swift and effective actions to save lives and minimize casualties.
The leadership reviewed the relief efforts to date, noting the rapid response of local authorities and departments. They have been racing against time to treat the injured, provide for the basic living needs of those affected, and ensure that all residents remain warm throughout the harsh winter conditions.
The meeting called for accelerated repair of damaged infrastructure and the clearing of debris to restore normalcy in the quake-hit areas as soon as possible. It also underscored the importance of releasing authoritative information to the public, enhancing the earthquake resistance of houses and infrastructure in key areas, and improving overall disaster response capabilities.
Officials at all levels were urged to remain steadfast on the front lines, sparing no effort in fulfilling their duties. The leadership emphasized that unity and dedication are essential to overcome the challenges posed by the disaster.
The earthquake has drawn attention to the vulnerability of certain regions to natural disasters, prompting discussions on improving construction standards and emergency preparedness across the country.
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Xi Jinping chairs CPC leadership meeting on Xizang quake relief
cgtn.com
