China Earthquake: Massive Relief Efforts Underway To Assist Victims

The earthquake struck on August 8, 2017, in Sichuan Province killing 19 people.

Thousands of relief workers and paramilitary staff are busy conveying assistance to those affected by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck a remote area in southwest China's Sichuan Province in the night of August 8, 2017, killing 19 and leaving 247 others injured. This was later followed by over 200 tremors.    

The earthquake hit Jiuzhaigou County at 9:19 p.m. at a depth of 20 kilometers, Xinhua News Agency reported. Jiuzhaigou is a popular tourist destination in the mountains on the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known for its mountainous landscape and stunning scenery. Meanwhile, 35,000 tourists who were in the area at time of the incident have been moved to safety.

“Authorities should check the impact of the earthquake, evacuate and settle visitors and local people, and reduce death and injuries as much as possible,” Chinese President, Xi Jinping ordered, China Daily reported. “As the earthquake took place during the flood period and tourism season, authorities should enhance meteorological early warning and geological monitoring to guard against other disasters and try their best to protect people's lives and property,” People’s Daily newspaper cited President Xi as saying.

Feng Zhenglin, head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), confirmed immediate activation of level-III emergency response procedures, asking civil aviation authorities to cooperate ...