Massive earthquake hits near Tibet China, death toll over 400, and aid is rushed in. Wednesday, a large earthquake hit the Tibet area of western China and killed over 400 people; over 10,000 have been reported injured. The earthquake struck at 2349 GMT (7:49 EDT), but several aftershocks have already hit the area since.
U.S. Geological Survey put the largest quake Wednesday at a 6.9-magnitude, while the China Earthquake Networks Centre put the magnitude at 7.1. The China earthquake hit Yushu county, in Qinghai, near Tibet. It is a large farming area with a population of 100,000.
Houses in a mountain area made of mud and wood collapsed and people are trapped. Many people in China are in shock and bleeding, houses are destroyed so many are walking the streets. There are reports that people may be buried under rubble at several schools. Hospitals are crowded and lack the supplies needed to help those that are injured.
Thousands of people are without power, phone lines are down, and strong winds have hindered rescue efforts. Officials suspect that the death toll may rise as they begin to find bodies in the rubble.
See the slideshow of photos below for the damage done in China during the earthquake (includes map of China).
Supplies are being rushed to the area, including 5,000 tents, 100,000 coats and blankets. The earthquake is centered at an elevation of 13,000 feet and night temperatures are below freezing.
The Salt Lake City, Utah based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) responds to world disasters and has missionaries in China is beginning to organize efforts and plans to extend help to China earthquake victims.
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Source: The Associated Press, The Deseret News, and ABC News
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Comments
Good to hear of a good organization like the LDS church showing what it means to be Christian.
While I'm glad to hear that the LDS church is sending aid to earthquake victims here in China as well as around the world, it is important to note that there are NO LDS missionaries proselyting in mainland China. There are missionaries in Hong Kong and Macau, but not in mainland China. Living in China, we as LDS members value our privilege of meeting together and are very conscious of the no proselyting rule that we must keep in order to ensure good relations between the Church and the government. Please be careful to be accurate when mentioning missionaries in China. We may have them someday, but not now.
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