Deadly earthquake hits southwest China

1/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

More than 70 dead

More than 70 people have died following an earthquake hit China’s southwest Sichuan province, CNN reports.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

2/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

A magnitude of 6.8

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake affected hundreds of people living in Sichuan, damaging infrastructure and communications.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

3/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Reach the epicenter

According to Archyde.com, more than 250 people have been injured and 26 are still missing as local authorities attempt to clear debris in remote villages to reach the epicenter of the quake.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

4/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Landslides and tremors

The quake, says Al Jazeera, triggered landslides and shook buildings as far as the provincial capital of Chengdu, 200 kilometers from the epicentre.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

The slideshow continues on the next slide

5/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Level 3 emergency

CNN reports that China’s State Council has activated a Level 3 emergency in the area and dispatched rescuers to the epicenter of the quake, where more than a million residents are believed to have felt the tremor.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

6/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

‘A total rescue effort’

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the deployment of the People’s Liberation Army in what has been called an “all-out rescue effort”.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

7/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

More than 6,500 rescuers

Al Jazeera informs that more than 6,500 rescuers have been sent to participate in search and rescue operations in Sichuan.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

8/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

50,000 displaced people

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities say more than 50,000 people have been moved from the affected region to safer locations.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

9/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

13,000 buildings damaged

Additionally, a total of 243 houses collapsed during the tremor and more than 13,000 buildings were damaged.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

The slideshow continues on the next slide

10/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Luding: the most affected city

Archyde.com confirms that 11,000 of the displaced people came from Luding County, where the earthquake’s epicenter is located.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

11/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Other Barriers

Heavy rains a week following the quake are expected to pose an obstacle for relief teams working in the area.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

12/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Fourth most populous province

With more than 80 million inhabitants, Sichuan is the fourth most populous province in China. It is probably most famous around the world for its cuisine.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

13/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

2008 Sichuan earthquake

The region is well known for its seismic activity. In 2008, China’s deadliest earthquake occurred in Sichuan. Nearly 90,000 people died or disappeared.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

14/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Zero Covid Policy

Al Jazeera also points out that this natural disaster comes as Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, has confined millions of residents due to China’s Zero Covid policy.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

The slideshow continues on the next slide

15/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Solidarity across the strait

However, all was not black in this story. The Taiwanese government, whose tensions with Beijing are well known, expressed its condolences to China and offered to send a rescue team.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

16/16 SLIDES

© The Daily Digest

Sympathy and concern

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen offered her “sympathy and concern” to Sichuan.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something using the links recommended in this article.

16/16 SLIDES