116 die, more than 400 injured in northwest China earthquake

At least 116 people were confirmed dead on Tuesday, December 19 after an earthquake led to the collapse of buildings in Northwest China.

According to local media in China, more than 400 people were injured in the incident as several agencies continue with rescue exercise.

The incident occurred in Gansu Province, after a strong shallow tremor struck at around midnight.

Rescue operation after the earthquake incident in China. Photo: AP

According to Xinhua news report, the incident caused a lot of damage as people scampered for safety in the streets.

“As soon as I ran out of the house, the earth on the mountain gave way, thudding on the roof,” one of the survivors posted on social media.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has appealed for speedy rescue exercise and taking care of the survivors.

Meanwhile, temperatures are below freezing point in the high altitude areas in China, and rescuers have warned of secondary disasters.

The US Geological Survey has reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.9 in Gansu, near the border with Qinghai.

On the other hand, Xinhua had reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.2, and it was felt in the major city of Xi’an, in northern Shaanxi province.

However, several smaller aftershocks were felt after the initial earthquake, as the government warned of possible similar incidents to follow in the coming few days.