China quake death toll rises as roads reopen

China quake death toll rises as roads reopen

China experienced a devastating 6.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday, which claimed at least 74 lives. 

Major roads leading to the epicentre of the earthquake in the southwestern province of Sichuan have started to reopen and traffic has resumed. 

In addition to the rising death toll, at least 259 people were injured and 26 remain missing as of Tuesday night, state media People’s Daily reported on Wednesday.

It’s the strongest earthquake to hit the province since 2017, destroying buildings and causing severe damage to power and water infrastructure as well as telecommunications. 

Rescue teams have desperately tried to reach those stranded and restore utilities. They have also sent emergency relief, whilst evacuating at least 11,000 people on Tuesday from Luding county, where the quake was centred. 

Lockdown in Chengdu 

Authorities in southwestern China’s Chengdu have maintained strict Covid-19 measures on the city of 21 million people despite the earthqake being centred in the surrounding province of Sichuan. 

The quake struck a mountainous area, and whilst buildings in Chengdu and other parts of China were shaken by the quake, no damage was reported in the city.