Toll of Fatalities in Recent Chinese Earthquake Climbs to 149, with Two Unaccounted for

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In the wake of China’s most intense earthquake in recent times, the number of fatalities has escalated to 149, while two individuals remain unaccounted for. This seismic event struck the northwestern territories of the nation last week.

Occurring on December 18, the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.2 and impacted a secluded, mountainous region between the Gansu and Qinghai provinces. The quake’s force demolished numerous homes and led to severe mudslides, severely affecting two villages in Qinghai province.

As per the latest updates from CCTV, the state broadcaster, the death count in Qinghai’s Donghai city has increased to 32, and rescue efforts continue for the two missing persons. In the adjacent Gansu province, the death toll stands at 117.

This disaster, China’s most devastating earthquake in the past nine years, resulted in nearly 1,000 injuries and the destruction of over 14,000 homes.

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A significant earthquake in northwest China, responsible for at least 148 deaths, has also led to economic losses amounting to millions.
AP IMAGES: Members of a Muslim community conduct funerals for their deceased post-earthquake in China.
Survivors of the China earthquake battle extreme cold as they grieve for lost lives.

State media informed that primary schools in Jishishan county, Gansu, resumed educational activities in tented classrooms on Monday. Local officials have planned to use the upcoming winter vacation to repair the damaged educational facilities and set up temporary structures, aiming for normal class resumption in the spring term.

Efforts are underway to provide survivors, who are facing sub-zero temperatures, with temporary shelter. CGTN, the international branch of the state broadcaster, reported that the first set of 500 temporary housing units was constructed on Friday night in Meipo, a Gansu village.

The earthquake has necessitated the relocation of more than 87,000 individuals.

The event has inflicted significant economic damages, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, with state media estimating the losses to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

Li Qiang, the Chinese Premier, made visits on Saturday to several villages in Gansu and a Qinghai county, emphasizing the need for improved living conditions for the survivors, as reported by Xinhua, the official news agency.

Premier Li underscored the urgency of ensuring warmth and safety for the people during winter as the foremost relief priority.

Funeral services, many adhering to Muslim customs prevalent in the region, were conducted throughout the week for the victims.

China frequently experiences earthquakes, primarily in its western regions, including Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces, as well as the Xinjiang region and Tibet.

The country’s most catastrophic recent earthquake was in 2008, a 7.9 magnitude quake in Sichuan province that resulted in nearly 90,000 deaths or missing persons. This tragedy led to a prolonged reconstruction effort using more robust building materials.

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