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Beijing: In the silence of midnight, a violent commotion broke out on the ground in northwestern China. As recorded by China’s seismic network, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the mountainous region, resulting in the loss of 111 lives and injuries to more than 200 others. The earthquake, which was felt with great intensity in the Gansu provincial capital, Lanzhou, and other parts of the region, disrupted the peace of the night and marked the beginning of a devastating chapter.
The earthquake, which struck just before the new day began, was felt most in Gansu and Qinghai provinces. In Gansu, the epicenter of the disaster, 100 people lost their lives, while 96 were injured. Neighboring Qinghai province was also not spared, as it recorded 11 deaths and 124 injuries. However, the U.S. Geological Survey measured the earthquake’s magnitude at a slightly lower 5.9.
The earthquake left more than just a physical mark on the landscape. Critical infrastructure, including water and power lines, transportation and communication systems, was disrupted. Houses collapsed, roads were destroyed and power lines were damaged by the earthquake, leaving the affected villages in darkness. Disruption in water supply has further increased the troubles of the affected population.
As morning dawned across the earthquake-changed landscape, emergency response efforts began. Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged massive search and rescue operations. Calls to minimize casualties resulted in the immediate dispatch of emergency personnel, suspension of train operations and mobilization of resources, including 580 rescue teams, 88 fire engines and search and rescue dogs. Tents, folding beds and quilts were sent to the disaster-hit area to provide some relief to people suffering from the harsh cold.
However, this disaster is not an isolated incident. It follows a history of seismic activity in China, including a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan in 2008 that killed nearly 90,000 people. While the nation grapples with this latest disaster, it serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of earthquakes in the region.
