5.2-magnitude earthquake kills 2, forces 7,000 evacuations in southwest China
Quick Look
- A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit Guangxi, China, killing 2, injuring 4, and leaving 1 missing.
- Over 7,000 residents were evacuated after buildings were damaged, disrupting power and transport services.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck southwest China’s Guangxi region on Monday, causing casualties and damage. The quake occurred near Liuzhou city at a shallow depth.
Photo credit: AP
A strong 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck southwest China’s Guangxi region on Monday, killing 2 people, damaging buildings, disrupting transport, and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate, according to Chinese authorities. The quake struck near Liuzhou city in Guangxi at a shallow depth, intensifying tremors across nearby areas, the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC) said. Residents rushed out of homes, offices and shopping centres as buildings shook for several seconds. Videos shared on Chinese social media showed people gathering in open spaces while emergency sirens sounded in several areas. Authorities said several buildings developed cracks, while some older structures partially collapsed.
2 dead, 7000 evacuated after buildings damaged
Local authorities said over 7,000 residents were evacuated from vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure, according to Reuters. Temporary shelters were set up while engineers inspected damaged buildings. Two deaths were confirmed, one person remained missing, and four others were hospitalised, authorities said. Emergency teams, firefighters and medical workers were deployed to carry out rescue and search operations. Schools, hospitals and government buildings were also inspected for structural damage.
Power and transport services affected
The earthquake briefly disrupted electricity and transport services in parts of Guangxi. Road inspection teams checked highways and bridges for possible damage, while the power supply in some areas was temporarily interrupted. Authorities warned residents about possible aftershocks and advised people to stay away from damaged buildings until safety checks are completed.
End of Article
Open Questions
- What is the exact condition of the hospitalized individuals?
- What is the extent of the structural damage to critical infrastructure?
- What is the long-term impact on the local economy and housing?
- Are there any further seismic risks anticipated in the region?
