Nearly 8,000 relocated as aftershocks rattle Gansu following earthquake

Authorities have urgently relocated 7,812 residents in Gansu province following a shallow 5.6-magnitude earthquake that struck on Saturday, with aftershocks complicating rescue efforts.

The initial quake hit Longxi county at 5:49 am at a depth of 10 kilometers. By 11:00 am, the region had experienced 59 aftershocks, including two measuring magnitude 4.0 and above.

The municipal government immediately activated a Level III emergency response. Senior city officials led a team of experts from various departments to the epicenter to direct operations. A significant coordinated force, including medical, firefighting, police, and engineering workers, totaling hundreds of personnel and vehicles, has been deployed to the disaster area.

Preliminary assessments confirm the earthquake has affected 9,994 people across 30 townships in Longxi and Zhangxian counties. The disaster has damaged 4,328 rooms, including 3,776 residential buildings. Infrastructure has also suffered, with 27 road facilities damaged and 16 communication base stations knocked offline.

The primary focus remains on ensuring the safety of affected individuals. All relocated residents are being accommodated. Work continues to assess the full extent of the damage, provide aid, and restore critical services.