Week after powerful earthquake hit China, 25 still missing

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Despite massive rescue and relief operations launched after a powerful earthquake hit southwestern China last week, at least 25 people are still missing.

Latest data shared by Chinese daily Global Times on Monday said the death toll climbed to 93 as 25 others remain missing in Sichuan province.

Most of the deaths, 55, were reported in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous region, while 38 others were reported in Ya’an city where a memorial ceremony for the earthquake victims was held on Monday.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the earthquake hit the county of Luding in the Garze Tibetan autonomous region at a depth of 16 kilometers (9 miles) on Sept. 5.

Over 10,000 personnel are working to transport the injured to health facilities.

Hilly terrain, rainfall, damaged roads, and a broken-down communication made the rescue missions more difficult, with Chinese authorities deploying satellites, drones, and helicopters to help save the quake victims.

Thousands have been displaced and moved to safer places.

Shimian county in the Ya'an region and the Garze Tibetan autonomous region are the worst hit.

This is the deadliest earthquake since the 2008 tremors, when thousands of people were killed. The same province was hit by another strong earthquake in 2017, killing 25.

The quake badly damaged homes, historical sites, roads, water facilities, and hydropower stations, affecting electricity supplies and telecommunications.