Over 100 killed in overnight 6.2 magnitude earthquake in northwest China

An earthquake struck China's northwest Gansu province late Monday night, leaving over 100 dead and many more injured, according to state media reports.

The 5.9-magnitude quake hit just before midnight local time. The epicentre was located about 100 kilometres southwest of Gansu's provincial capital, Lanzhou.

At least 95 killed in magnitude 6.2 earthquake in northwest China's Gansu and Qinghai provinces, state news agency says, reports AP

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2023

What were the impacts of the earthquake? 

Destruction could be seen in photos and videos posted to social media, with some buildings reduced to rubble and debris scattered along city streets. Power and water outages were also reported in affected villages. 

Emergency responders and rescue teams were quickly mobilised, state news agency reported. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "all-out efforts" in search and relief operations.

In the neighbouring Qinghai province, at least 11 deaths and over 100 injuries were reported in the city of Haidong.

Earthquake prone China 

Earthquakes frequently strike China's mountainous inland regions. A quake in Sichuan province last September killed nearly 100 people. In 2008, a devastating 7.9-magnitude quake left over 87,000 dead or missing across Sichuan.

Recovery and rebuilding efforts are just beginning in the hardest-hit communities. The full extent of damage and loss of life may not be known for some time as rescue operations continue.