China earthquake death toll rises to 82
China’s deadly earthquake that struck the southwest on Monday has seen the death toll rise to 82. There are fears that rain and possible mudslides will affect the search for the many people who remain missing.
Monday’s 6.6 magnitude quake hit about 26 miles southeast of the city of Kangding in Sichuan province and forced thousands to evacuate and resettle into temporary camps.
State broadcaster CCTV said 46 people died in Ganzi prefecture while 36 died in neighbouring Ya’an city.
More than 270 people have been injured, and at present, the number of those missing is reported at 35, according to CCTV.
Moderate rain will continue in the affected earthquake area on Thursday and Friday with some localised heavy showers.
More than 10,000 rescue workers have been dispatched to the area as rescuers brave flash floods and landslides caused by aftershocks.
Rescue teams are having to haul people through mountainous terrain on ropes and stretchers.
Over 22,000 people have so far been resettled into 124 temporary sites across Ganzi and Ya’an, state media reports.
Over 22,000 people have so far been resettled into 124 temporary sites across Ganzi and Ya’an, the state-owned People’s Daily newspaper reported.