Agencies-Gaza post
65 killed in China’s Sichuan earthquake
The death toll from the earthquake that hit Sichuan Province, southwest China, on Monday, has risen to 65.
Official media in China reported on Tuesday, that the number of injured exceeded 200, including 50 in critical condition, noting that 10 people are still missing.
Luding district, about 200 km from Chengdu, the provincial capital, was hardest hit by the 6.8-magnitude quake.
The earthquake destroyed homes and caused landslides. Many streets remain closed today, and electricity, water, and communications have been disrupted.
A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway, with the participation of thousands of people. Army forces are involved in the operation.
Several aftershocks occurred in the region, including one with a magnitude of 4.2.
The People’s Daily reported that 35,000 families had lost contact with the outside world, and more than 40,000 people had been deprived of electricity supply.
Rescue workers were supported by helicopters and drones, to search from the air. Heavy equipment is also used to disinfect affected areas.
The Chinese Ministry of Finance and the Sichuan government provided 50 million yuan (about 7.2 million dollars) in financial aid, according to official media reports.
In 2008, a powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck the province, killing more than 80,000 people.
