News

Earthquake Kills At Least 75 in Northwest China

by Julia Black

A high-magnitude earthquake shook the northwest region of China early Monday morning, killing at least 75. The Chinese government is also reporting that at least 450 others were injured.

The quake, estimated at a magnitude of between 5.9 and 6.6, did most of its damage in the city of Dingxi in Gansu province. Most of the deaths are being blamed on the collapse of poorly-constructed buildings. The earthquake was also followed by a heavy rainfall, which is expected to slow down rescue and repair efforts. Local residents are being relocated to areas of refuge to avoid the risk of mudslides.

Earthquakes are devastatingly common in China. The Sichuan Earthquake in 2008 killed an astounding 70,000 and left over 18,000 missing. This April, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck that same region, killing 196 people.

The city of Dingxi has a long road to recovery ahead. On top of the damage to roads, farmland, and public facilities, over 2,000 families lost their homes in the quake and over 14,000 households have lost power..