Death Toll Rises to 149 in Powerful Earthquake in Northwestern China
Dec 25,2023·4:16AM GMTZ
The death toll from a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in northwestern China has risen to 149, with two people still missing. The earthquake struck a remote mountainous area between Gansu and Qinghai provinces on December 18, causing widespread destruction and triggering heavy mudslides. Nearly 1,000 people were injured and over 14,000 homes were destroyed.
Efforts are underway to provide temporary housing for survivors facing freezing temperatures. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for improvements in living conditions and the priority of relief efforts is to ensure people stay warm and safe during the winter. Funerals have been held throughout the week, following Muslim traditions.
China experiences frequent earthquakes, particularly in the western part of the country. The deadliest earthquake in recent years was a 7.9-magnitude tremor in 2008 that left nearly 90,000 dead or presumed dead and resulted in a major rebuilding effort.
Efforts are underway to provide temporary housing for survivors facing freezing temperatures. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for improvements in living conditions and the priority of relief efforts is to ensure people stay warm and safe during the winter. Funerals have been held throughout the week, following Muslim traditions.
China experiences frequent earthquakes, particularly in the western part of the country. The deadliest earthquake in recent years was a 7.9-magnitude tremor in 2008 that left nearly 90,000 dead or presumed dead and resulted in a major rebuilding effort.