Residents of Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, were jolted on Thursday as two earthquakes struck the area. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), a magnitude-4.8 earthquake hit Yongning County in Yinchuan at 10:01 a.m. Beijing Time, followed by a magnitude-4.6 tremor at 4:43 p.m.
The initial quake sent residents and workers into the streets, with many reporting the sensation of buildings swaying. “I was in my office when suddenly everything started shaking. We quickly evacuated to an open area,” said Li Wei, a local businessman.
Emergency response teams were dispatched promptly to assess the situation. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or significant property damage. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and stay informed through official channels.
Ningxia is situated in a seismically active zone, but earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively uncommon in the region. Local seismologists are monitoring aftershocks and analyzing data to understand any potential risks.
The twin quakes have reignited discussions on earthquake preparedness among the community. Schools and businesses have been reminded to review their emergency protocols to ensure safety in the event of future seismic activities.
“Safety drills and public education on how to respond during earthquakes are crucial,” emphasized Zhang Min, an official from the local disaster management department.
Residents are advised to check their homes for any structural damages and report any concerns to the authorities. The local government continues to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
