Northwest China Devastated: 127 Dead, Over 700 Injured in Earthquake

• 5.9 magnitude quake in Gansu: 127 dead, 700+ injured.
• Urgent search in freezing conditions; President Xi calls for all-out efforts.
• Global aid: Putin condolences; China allocates $28 million for recovery.

In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck northwest China just before midnight, rescuers in remote villages are tirelessly sifting through the wreckage of collapsed homes in freezing conditions. The devastating quake has claimed the lives of over 127 people and left more than 700 injured, according to reports.

The epicenter of the earthquake was in impoverished Gansu province, where at least 113 fatalities have been reported. The seismic shocks have caused extensive damage to over 155,000 buildings in the region. Neighboring Qinghai province, particularly in Haidong, also experienced additional casualties, with 14 reported deaths and 198 injuries, as per the People’s Daily.

The impact of the quake is visible in the crumbling structures, including a mosque with a collapsed top and a building reduced to rubble. The 5.9 magnitude earthquake, as measured by the US Geological Survey, marks the deadliest seismic event in China since 2014.

Residents were forced to flee into the freezing streets for safety, with emergency vehicles navigating the roads to aid those affected. President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” in search and rescue operations, recognizing the challenging high-altitude conditions of the affected areas.

As rescue teams confront freezing temperatures, President Xi emphasized vigilance against potential secondary disasters. The earthquake disrupted power and water supplies in villages, but efforts are underway to restore essential services. Evacuations are ongoing in Gansu, with thousands of firefighters and rescue personnel deployed to the disaster zone.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences to China, expressing solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. Meanwhile, the Chinese government is focusing on ensuring the security of lives and property, with a preliminary allocation of 200 million yuan ($28 million) in relief funding. As China grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the nation remains united in its efforts to provide aid, support, and comfort to those affected by the tragedy.

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