Two Dead and Thousands Evacuated After Powerful Earthquake Hits Southwest China
Two Dead and Thousands Evacuated After Powerful Earthquake Hits Southwest China
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake strikes southwest China, leaving two dead and forcing 7,000 to flee. Read the latest on the rescue efforts and damage in Liuzhou.
Early Monday morning, a powerful 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck southwest China’s Guangxi region, leading to the tragic loss of two lives and causing widespread panic. The tremor, which hit at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, forced more than 7,000 residents in the city of Liuzhou to leave their homes as buildings began to crumble and transportation networks ground to a halt.
State media reports indicate that at least 13 buildings collapsed entirely following the quake, which occurred around 12:21 AM local time. Emergency rescue teams were dispatched immediately, working through the night and into the following morning to navigate the debris. While two people have been confirmed dead, there was a glimmer of hope when search crews successfully rescued a 91-year-old man from the rubble. He was found in good condition, marking the conclusion of the search for missing residents in that specific area.
The physical impact of the earthquake was visible across the Liunan district, where roads subsided and debris littered the streets. Local railway authorities have been on high alert, conducting thorough inspections of tracks and infrastructure to ensure safety before resuming full service. Despite the structural damage to homes and roads, essential services like power, water, and gas have reportedly remained functional throughout the affected areas.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the thousands of displaced residents who are waiting for news on when they can safely return home. With four people still receiving treatment in the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, the community is coming together to recover from this sudden disaster.
