Earthquake Devastation in China

The death toll in China has increased to 127 following the impact of an earthquake, and it is anticipated to rise further

Earthquake Devastation in China

A devastating earthquake, measuring 6.2 in magnitude, wreaked havoc on Monday, December 18th, around midnight in the mountainous region of north western China, also affecting the neighbouring Quinghai. The earthquake claimed the lives of at least 127 people, and this number is anticipated to increase, with over 700 people severely injured in the icy conditions of the northwest area.

 

Situated on the borders of Mongolia and nestled between the Tibetan and Loess Plateau, the province of Gansu experienced the most severe impact, with over 100 fatalities and more than 200 injuries due to the recent earthquake. The area suffered extensive damage, with approximately 5,000 buildings affected by mudslides triggered by the earthquake, leading to simultaneous damage to roads through landslides.

 

While the US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake as a magnitude 5.9 event, Chinese authorities reportedly stated that it measured 6.2 on the Richter scale. Local authorities have reported approximately 10 aftershocks in the area.

 

Text alerts were rapidly dispatched by The China Earthquake Early Warning Network within 30 seconds of the earthquake impacting areas around the Gansu earthquake's epicenter. Individuals in the closest vicinity received these alerts within a swift 12-second timeframe.

 

On Tuesday, video clips were released, revealing the aftermath of the earthquake and the extensive destruction it caused. Buildings and houses were seen collapsing in multiple locations. Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued orders for thousands of rescue teams to be deployed in the region, emphasizing that all possible efforts should be exerted to provide timely treatment to the injured and minimize casualties.

 

After this event, the National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction, and Relief, along with the Ministry of Emergency Management, has initiated a Level-IV emergency response for disaster relief.

 

China, particularly situated in a region where Eurasian, Indian, and Pacific tectonic plates converge is extremely prone to Earthquakes. One of the most devastating earthquakes in China occurred in the southwestern province of Sichuan in 2008, resulting in the demise of 87,000 lives.


Iran Attacks Israel; Israel May Target Iran’s Oil Facilities in Retaliation

Iran Attacks Israel; Israel May Target Iran’s Oil Facilities in Retaliation

Iran launches around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in real-time in retaliation for Israeli bombin...
Indian-American Executive Ravi Ahuja Appointed as New CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment

Indian-American Executive Ravi Ahuja Appointed as New CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment

Ravi Ahuja, a pioneering Indian American executive with decades of expertise in entertainment manage...
India Slams Pakistan at UNGA Over Kashmir Remarks, Calls Out 'Hypocrisy at Its Worst

India Slams Pakistan at UNGA Over Kashmir Remarks, Calls Out 'Hypocrisy at Its Worst

India used its UNGA Right of Reply to challenge Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's mentio...
PM Narendra Modi Meets Ukraine's Zelensky in New York, Reaffirms India's Commitment to Peace

PM Narendra Modi Meets Ukraine's Zelensky in New York, Reaffirms India's Commitment to Peace

PM Narendra Modi attended a number of high-profile events during his three days in the US, including...
PM Narendra Modi Meets Palestinian President Abbas, Expresses Deep Concern Over Gaza Crisis

PM Narendra Modi Meets Palestinian President Abbas, Expresses Deep Concern Over Gaza Crisis

Prime Minister Modi is currently in New York. On Sunday, he had a meeting with the leader outside of...
PM Modi's US Visit: Quad Summit Focuses on Indo-Pacific Security, China, and Ukraine Conflict

PM Modi's US Visit: Quad Summit Focuses on Indo-Pacific Security, China, and Ukraine Conflict

Quad expressed concerns over "coercive and intimidating maneuvers" in the South China Sea ...
UN Passes Resolution to End Israel’s Occupation of Palestine; India Abstains from Vote

UN Passes Resolution to End Israel’s Occupation of Palestine; India Abstains from Vote

The resolution was carried with 124 votes, with 43 countries abstaining, including India, Australia,...
India and UAE Deepen Ties, Explore Nuclear Energy Cooperation as the Next Strategic Frontier

India and UAE Deepen Ties, Explore Nuclear Energy Cooperation as the Next Strategic Frontier

As he arrives in New Delhi, India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the right, speaks with Sh...
Fiery Showdown: Trump and Harris Clash Over Abortion, Immigration, and Economy in Heated Debate

Fiery Showdown: Trump and Harris Clash Over Abortion, Immigration, and Economy in Heated Debate

Before the US presidential elections, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have a historic encounter....
India and Singapore Forge Strategic MoUs in Semiconductors and Digital Tech During PM Modi's Visit

India and Singapore Forge Strategic MoUs in Semiconductors and Digital Tech During PM Modi's Visit

In the areas of digital technology, semiconductors, health cooperation, and skill development, India...