China Earthquake: Recovery from the Storm

In China, search and rescue operations are underway following a powerful earthquake that occurred on the night of December 19. According to the latest data, the death toll from the disaster has risen to 131. This information is reported by Reuters.

In the heavily affected province of Gansu, rescue operations have concluded, with 78 individuals successfully saved. Now, local authorities are focusing on treating the wounded and resettling residents ahead of the winter.

Weather conditions are complicating the processes of recovery and search for survivors. The temperature in the earthquake’s epicenter area dropped to -15°C on Tuesday evening. According to local media, individuals trapped under debris risk hypothermia at -10°C, jeopardizing their survival for only 5-10 hours.

It is worth noting that the 6.2-magnitude earthquake occurred near the border of Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Its aftermath includes the destruction of roads, power lines, water supply, and agricultural facilities. Landslides and collapses were observed in the affected areas.
Thousands of rescuers have headed to the mountainous region to search for survivors and facilitate their resettlement. In Gansu, over 207,000 houses have been destroyed, and nearly 15,000 collapsed, resulting in more than 145,000 people affected.