China earthquake death toll rises to 148

In the wake of China’s most devastating earthquake in years, the death toll has climbed to 148, according to state media reports on Friday. The tragedy unfolded in northwest China just before midnight on Monday, with at least 117 lives lost in Gansu province and 31 in the neighboring Qinghai province, as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency.

Rescue efforts have been underway, resulting in the relocation of more than 139,000 people to emergency shelters in Gansu and Qinghai. The focus has now shifted to the daunting task of resettling those affected by the disaster and providing medical care to the injured, particularly in Gansu, as mentioned by state broadcaster CCTV. Meanwhile, emergency response teams are diligently searching for trapped victims in Qinghai.

The severity of the situation became tragically evident in Qinghai’s Zhongchuan township, where people were buried alive on Tuesday due to a “sand boil.” This phenomenon, triggered by the earthquake, causes soil liquefaction, forcing sand and water to erupt from the ground.

This earthquake marks China’s deadliest since 2014 when over 600 lives were lost in the southwestern Yunnan province. The current disaster has left almost 1,000 individuals injured across Gansu and Qinghai. The initial tremor, measured at 5.9 by the US Geological Survey, was followed by numerous smaller aftershocks.

Compounding the challenges of the rescue and relief operations are subzero temperatures, making it imperative to address the immediate needs of survivors. Reporters from Agence France-Presse (AFP) witnessed survivors gathering around outdoor fires to stave off the biting cold in the aftermath of the earthquake.

As China grapples with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster, the nation faces a formidable task in rebuilding communities, providing essential aid, and supporting those affected as they attempt to rebuild their lives. The international community remains vigilant, offering condolences and assistance to help China navigate through this challenging period.