Massive earthquake in China leaves trail of destruction and death – Shocking details inside

In a harrowing turn of events, China has faced one of its most devastating natural disasters. Late Monday evening, a magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck Jishishan County in northwest China’s Gansu Province, near the border with Qinghai Province. This catastrophic event has claimed the lives of 100 people in Gansu and 11 in neighboring Qinghai, sending shockwaves of fear and grief across the nation.

National Emergency Response Escalated to Level II

The State Council’s earthquake relief headquarters, along with the Ministry of Emergency Management, have promptly escalated the national earthquake emergency response to Level II. This urgent upgrade reflects the severity of the disaster and the critical need for an efficient and comprehensive rescue operation.

President Xi Jinping Orders All-Out Rescue Efforts

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for all-out rescue efforts in the wake of this tragedy. With at least 111 people confirmed dead and buildings collapsed, rescue workers are in a frantic race against time, digging through the rubble in search of survivors. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the President’s directive, aiming to minimize casualties and provide immediate aid.

The Tremor’s Terrifying Impact

The quake, initially recorded as magnitude 5.9 by the US Geological Survey, has caused significant damage, including collapsed houses and widespread disruption. Terrified residents were seen fleeing into the streets for safety, as state news agency Xinhua reported. The epicenter of the quake, located near the border with Qinghai, has also experienced several smaller aftershocks, adding to the region’s distress.

Freezing Temperatures Complicate Rescue Efforts

Compounding the disaster, freezing temperatures have hit northern China. The cold weather poses additional challenges for the rescue teams, who were shown in state media footage driving towards the affected areas along snow-lined highways. The footage also depicted rescue workers sifting through debris by torchlight and setting up emergency shelters for those displaced by the quake.

A History of Earthquakes in China

Earthquakes are not uncommon in China. This latest quake follows several others in recent history, including a 5.4-magnitude earthquake in eastern China and a 6.6-magnitude quake in Sichuan province. The memory of the devastating 7.9-magnitude quake in 2008, which left over 87,000 dead or missing, still lingers in the nation’s collective memory.