Massive Earthquake kills 175 in South West China

175 people lost their lives in a massive earthquake that shook Southwest China this noon. This massive earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 megawatts went up to 12 kilometres deep. Xinhua, a Chinese news website reported that most people rushed out of buildings to the stereets. Residents told them that electricity was cut, telecommunications services were affected and it was hard to reach people in Ludian by mobile phone.

Homes, buildings and infrastructure in the area has been affected by this massive earthquake. As soon as details emerged, security officials as well as rescue operators were rushed to the area. Rescue operations soon began in the earthquake-hit area.

The epicentre of this earthquake is reportedly in Longtoushan Township. A tweet from Earthquake Prediction said 6.1 earthquake hits 80% risk area in China. Images showed people trying to safeguard themselves. People were being removed from the area. Injured people were put on stretchers and were rushed to hospitals.

Xinhua reported that according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the quakehas also injured more than 1400 people. 180 were reportedly missing. Xinhua also reported that more than 12,000 houses had been toppled and 30,000 damaged. Traffic, electricity and telecommunications too had been cut off in the country.

On May 24^th this year, another earthquake of 5.6 Megawatt had hit Yingjiang Contry in Yunnan Province. 9412 homes were destroyed and more than 8,000 people were evacuated at the time of the incident.

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About Suyash Karangutkar

Suyash Karangutkar is a young, dedicated and an enthusiastic journalist who has a deep interest in National and International Affairs. He is an ardent political spectator who finds politics fascinating. At Spectralhues, he heads the Mumbai team and covers National Affairs & Politics. He also occasionally writes columns for Spectralhues. He can be followed on Twitter @columnistsuyash