Jishishan county rebuilds 110k homes post-earthquake

Post-earthquake reconstruction efforts in Jishishan county, Gansu province, have resulted in over 110,000 households moving into new homes, said He Dong, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, during China's ongoing two sessions.

Among these, 102,000 households have settled into self-built homes, with an additional 10,800 relocation housing units completed and delivered on schedule, said He, who also serves as governor of Linxia Hui autonomous prefecture in Gansu, on Friday.

In December 2023, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Jishishan, Linxia, a region home to 10 ethnic groups, including the Bonan, Dongxiang and Salar.

The disaster affected more than 240,000 people and damaged over 230,000 houses, according to Xinhua News Agency.

He highlighted that reconstruction efforts have successfully addressed 209 schools needing repairs and reinforcement, with an additional 21 schools either rebuilt or newly constructed, now operational as planned. Furthermore, 40 healthcare-related projects have been largely completed.

"With the progress of post-disaster reconstruction efforts, the permanent urban population of Jishishan has increased by over 40,000 residents," he said.

While progress has been inspiring, the tasks ahead remain arduous and demanding. To ensure residents' well-being and revitalize the local industry, prioritizing the development of agriculture and tourism is a key strategic focus for Jishishan, He said.

In 2025, Jishishan aims to introduce labor-intensive industries such as food production, clothing and footwear manufacturing, and agricultural specialty product processing to create local employment opportunities, He said.

"Meanwhile, providing skills training and expanding labor transfer channels are also high on the agenda to increase household incomes," He added.

Fang Biling contributed to this story.