A powerful magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck Lushan County in Ya’an City, Sichuan Province, in southwest China at 5:00 p.m. on June 1. The initial quake was followed just three minutes later by a magnitude-4.5 aftershock in nearby Baoxing County, both administrative districts of Ya’an City.
Rescue operations are in full swing as emergency teams work tirelessly in the earthquake-affected areas. Temporary shelters have been established at Taiping Middle School to accommodate evacuated residents from Taiping Town in Lushan County, providing them with essential support and safety.
As of 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, official reports confirm that four people have lost their lives, and 41 others have sustained injuries due to the earthquakes. The local authorities are prioritizing medical assistance and are assessing the damages to infrastructure.
Exclusive footage from a CGTN stringer in Taiping Town reveals the community’s resilience as residents adapt to the sudden upheaval. The images show families and individuals finding refuge in the temporary shelters, highlighting the swift response from both the government and local organizations.
Sichuan Province is known for its seismic activity, with the region experiencing significant earthquakes in the past. The latest tremors have reignited concerns about earthquake preparedness and the importance of robust disaster response mechanisms in vulnerable areas.
The international community watches closely as rescue efforts continue, and support pours in from various regions. The incident underscores the need for ongoing collaboration in disaster management and relief efforts in Asia’s seismically active zones.
Reference(s):
M6.1 earthquake hits SW China, temporary shelters set up for residents
cgtn.com
