A 4.8-magnitude earthquake occurred on Thursday in Yongning County, Yinchuan, China, prompting the dispatch of rescue teams, though no casualties were reported. A subsequent 4.6-magnitude quake later in the day further damaged structures in the area. Since January, Yinchuan has experienced several earthquakes, underscoring its seismic activity.
On Thursday, a 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck Yongning County in Yinchuan, northwest China, at approximately 10:00 AM Beijing Time, according to reports from the China Earthquake Networks Center. The earthquake’s epicenter was pinpointed at 38.4 degrees north latitude and 106.22 degrees east longitude, with a focal depth of around 10 kilometers. In the aftermath, a rescue team was mobilized to support local relief efforts, although no casualties have been reported thus far.
Later on the same day, at 4:43 PM, a second earthquake measuring 4.6 in magnitude hit Jinfeng District, further exacerbating the situation. The epicenter of this aftershock was located at 38.41 degrees north latitude and 106.26 degrees east longitude. Reports indicated that many residents were evacuated to safer, open areas such as public squares and playgrounds due to the structural vulnerabilities exposed by these seismic events.
The initial quake reportedly led to significant damage, collapsing the outer walls of several aging residential structures and injuring some bystanders. Furthermore, various cultural relics suffered damage during this incident. The subsequent earthquake led to further destruction, contributing to the collapse of components of multiple old buildings. Since the beginning of the year 2024, Yinchuan has recorded at least seven earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 2.2 to 3.6, underscoring the region’s seismic activity and vulnerability to such natural disasters.
The occurrence of earthquakes is not uncommon in certain regions of China, particularly in areas like Yinchuan, which has experienced multiple seismic events recently. Competent authorities, including the China Earthquake Networks Center, routinely monitor and report these earthquakes to ensure public safety and preparedness. The Ministry of Emergency Management plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to such disasters, mobilizing rescue efforts, and managing local relief operations to minimize casualties and ensure timely assistance to affected communities.
In conclusion, the recent seismic events in Yinchuan highlight the area’s vulnerability to earthquakes and the need for effective emergency management and infrastructure resilience. The prompt response from local authorities demonstrates a commitment to safeguard residents and mitigate damage during such natural disasters. Continuous monitoring and preparedness remain vital in addressing the ongoing seismic challenges faced by the region.
Original Source: www.bastillepost.com
