China Mobilizes Relief Efforts Following Deadly Quake, Death Toll at 149

In the aftermath of China’s most powerful earthquake in years, the death toll has risen to 149, with two individuals still missing after the 6.2-magnitude quake struck a remote mountainous area between Gansu and Qinghai provinces on December 18. The catastrophe has left nearly 1,000 injured, destroyed over 14,000 homes, and caused economic losses estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars in the agricultural and fisheries industries.

Rescue and relief efforts are underway, with authorities reporting 117 dead in Gansu and 32 in Donghai city, Qinghai. Primary schools in Jishishan county, Gansu, have resumed classes in tents, and local authorities plan to repair damaged schools during the winter break, ensuring a return to normalcy in the spring semester.

Temporary housing units are being rapidly erected for survivors facing freezing temperatures, and more than 87,000 people have been resettled. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who visited affected villages in Gansu and Qinghai, emphasized the top priority of relief efforts is to ensure the warmth and safety of survivors during the winter.

The quake has prompted funeral ceremonies throughout the week, with some adhering to Muslim traditions prevalent in the affected area. CGTN, the state broadcaster’s international arm, reported the construction of the first batch of 500 temporary housing units in Meipo village, Gansu, on Friday night.

China, familiar with earthquakes in its western regions, including Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan provinces, Xinjiang, and Tibet, is facing the aftermath of its deadliest earthquake in nine years. The 2008 7.9-magnitude tremor in Sichuan left nearly 90,000 dead or presumed dead, leading to extensive rebuilding efforts focused on using more resistant materials. Premier Li Qiang has urged authorities to improve living conditions for survivors, emphasizing the importance of warmth and safety during the challenging winter conditions.