A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Longxi County in northwest China’s Gansu province early Saturday morning, leaving seven people injured and causing widespread property damage.
Details of the Earthquake
The tremor occurred at 5:49 a.m. local time at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre. The epicenter was located about 140 kilometers southeast of Lanzhou, the provincial capital.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that eight houses collapsed and more than 100 dwellings were damaged. Emergency workers were seen clearing rubble and debris in affected areas. Videos posted online by state media showed workers using shovels to remove bricks and roof tiles.
Injuries and Emergency Response
At least seven people were injured, but none of the injuries appeared serious. All victims were hospitalized for treatment, local authorities confirmed.
China’s central authorities activated the level-four national earthquake contingency response, the lowest tier in its four-level system, and deployed a working group to the quake zone.
Emergency Management Minister Wang Xiangxi, also deputy commander of the earthquake relief headquarters at China’s State Council, urged rapid verification of damages and conditions in the affected areas.
“The disaster situation is still being assessed,” the ministry said in a statement issued three hours after the quake.
Context
Gansu province, located in northwestern China, is prone to moderate earthquakes due to its complex geological features. The shallow depth of this quake contributed to the structural damage in Longxi County.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and conduct inspections to prevent further risks to residents.
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