Credit USGS
# 7504
For the second day in a row we’ve got a major earthquake to talk about, this time in central China, where two shallow, but strong temblors (USGS rated as 5.9 & 5.6) and a series of aftershocks have caused serious damage and loss of life over the past 12 hours(note: China reported the first quake at 6.6 magnitude).
Regardless of the magnitude, reports indicate thousands of buildings have been either flattened or seriously damaged, hundreds of people have been injured, and thousands are homeless.
The following is the first bulletin issued by Hong Kong’s Red Cross.
Gansu Earthquake 2013: Information Bulletin 1
22 July 2013
Situation Update
A 6.6-magnitude earthquake jolted a juncture region of Min and Zhang Counties, Dingxi Prefecture of Gansu Province on 22 July, at 07:45 a.m. After the earthquake, many aftershocks have been recorded with the hardest one measuring 5.6 magnitude on the Richter scale. The Ministry of Civil Affairs has activated the national emergency response at Level 3. According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, as of 22 July 14:30, 56 people died, 412 injured, 14 missing, about 27,300 people have been evacuated, and more than 22,000 houses were collapsed or damaged. With the situation further revealed, it is expected more damage reports will be received.Red Cross Society of China Actions
In response to the situation, the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) National Headquarters (NHQ) and the Gansu Red Cross have jointly deployed a relief team to conduct needs assessment and coordinate relief works in the field. Relief materials including 200 tents, 1,000 family kits, 5,000 sets of clothing, and 3,000 quilts have been mobilized to support the relief operation in Gansu.
Hong Kong Red Cross Actions
After the earthquake, the HKRC has immediately deployed relief personnel to the affected areas in Gansu to conduct needs assessment and plan for further relief actions. No appeal has been launched in Hong Kong at this moment.Emergency Tracing Service Enquiry
For emergency tracing service, please call 2507-7135 or email to tracing@redcross.org.hk.
