A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck a remote mountainous area in the northern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China last night, resulting in at least 118 deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to official media. Rescue efforts are likely to be challenging due to sub-zero temperatures. Most parts of China are experiencing extremely low temperatures as a cold wave continues since last week.
Official news outlets reported that 20 people are missing following the earthquake, after hours of rescue and relief efforts that began before sunrise. Earthquakes are common in western provinces such as Gansu, which is located on the eastern border of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, an area of seismic activity. The most severe earthquake in recent decades in China occurred in 2008 when an 8.0 magnitude quake hit Sichuan, causing nearly 70,000 fatalities.
The epicenter of yesterday’s earthquake was located five kilometers from the border between Gansu and a neighboring region. Xinhua News Agency reported that residents in many parts of Qinghai felt strong tremors. In Gansu, 105 people were reported dead as of 7:50 AM Tuesday (23:50 GMT Monday), with 397 injured, including 16 in critical condition, according to local authorities at a press conference. Official media stated that the death count in Qinghai has risen to at least 13, with 182 injured.
Xinhua reported that about 3,500 rescue teams have been dispatched to the disaster area, with the military and police also participating in the rescue efforts.
