Two earthquakes measuring 6.0- and 4.0-magnitude have hit northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, affecting more than 35 thousand people.

Over 800 houses have been toppled and more than 4000 people evacuated. The quakes hit Tuesday morning bordering areas between Yining and Gongliu, and Xinyuan and Nilka. Though hundreds of houses suffered damage, no casualties have been reported so far.

Local government immediately dispatched 135 rescue and recovery teams after the quake occurred. A total of 2,000 sets of bedclothes and 1,000 paires of shoes have been dispatched for the victims as winter approaches.

Other relief supplies, including food, tents and coal, are also on the way. Local officials say the region has suffered direct economic losses of more than 10 million US dollars. The quakes also triggered a landslide, blocking a section of the 218 national highway. Traffic was able to resume on Tuesday night following several hours of repair work.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)