At least 46 dead in 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan, China... Xi Jinping says "Saving lives is the top priority"

Roads Cut Off and Communication Networks Damaged Across the Region; Power Outages Reported
Helicopters and Drones Deployed for Rescue Operations

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Sichuan Province, China, resulting in at least 46 deaths. President Xi Jinping has ordered that saving lives be the top priority, calling for enhanced monitoring, prevention of secondary disasters, and the establishment of shelters.

According to the China Earthquake Network Center on the 6th, the earthquake occurred at 12:52:18 PM local time the previous day in Luding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, located 221 km southwest of Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The epicenter was near the Haluogou Glacier Forest Park, 39 km from Luding’s urban area, where six villages within a 5 km radius suffered damage. There were 29 fatalities in Ganzi County and 17 in Ya'an City.

Additionally, 16 people have lost contact, and 64 were seriously injured. The number of minor injuries is estimated to be around 82. The number of displaced persons in Ganzi County and Ya'an City is currently estimated at about 50,000.

According to Xinhua News Agency, President Xi Jinping ordered strengthened monitoring, prevention of secondary disasters, provision of shelters for the affected, and support for their resettlement following the earthquake. The Ministry of Emergency Management, Ministry of Natural Resources, and National Health Commission have dispatched working teams to the disaster area for rescue and relief operations. Rescue teams in Sichuan Province and Ganzi County have organized and sent relief supplies such as tents, blankets, and cots to the disaster area.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

As of 6 PM the previous day, more than 6,500 rescue personnel from the People's Liberation Army and armed police had been deployed, with four helicopters and two drones also mobilized for disaster assessment operations.

Local media reported that roads near the earthquake zone suffered severe damage, and 289 base stations ceased service, causing significant damage to communication facilities. Additionally, power outages occurred in various locations due to substation damage, but restoration work has begun starting with some areas.

Aftershocks continue to exacerbate the damage. As of 8 PM on the 5th, there was one aftershock of magnitude 4.2, five aftershocks between magnitudes 3.0 and 3.9, and six aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or higher in total.

According to the China Earthquake Network Center, there have been 79 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher within a 200 km radius of the epicenter over the past five years. The largest earthquakes were magnitude 7.0 events in August 2017 in Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, and in April 2013 in Lushan County, Ya'an City.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.