BEIJING, Dec 19: A devastating earthquake in northwest China claims at least 118 lives, injuring nearly 400, as buildings collapse from the powerful tremor.
Rescue efforts are underway in freezing conditions, with its president Xi Jinping urging all-out efforts for search and relief operations.
The quake struck around midnight, causing widespread damage and prompting residents to flee to the streets for safety.
“Temperatures are below freezing in the high-altitude area, and rescuers should be on guard for secondary disasters,” Xi said in a statement.
The quake, which was logged as magnitude 5.9 by the United Geological Survey, struck in Gansu near the border with Qinghai, where Haidong is located. – TVS
