Aftershocks constrain rescue operations in Sichuan

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By Sarah Al-Bashtali / April 23, 2013;

Sichuan Earthquake
Photo: Facebook

An earthquake, magnitude 6.6, hit the region of Sichuan on the Tibet/China border on April 20, the same place where a devastating quake killed more than 90,000 people five years ago. By the morning of April 22, the death toll had reached 212 including 25 missing persons. More than 11,000 were injured and almost 13,000 homes were destroyed.

Although the Chinese government provided 1 billion yuan ($161.9 million) and sent about 18,000 troops to the region, the situation remains difficult. Heavy aftershocks hamper the rescue effort, four of which had a magnitude of 5 to 5.9 according to the seismological bureau. The upcoming rainy season presents a particular risk of dangerous mudslides. While relief teams try to reach isolated communities, survivors protest on roadsides, demanding tents and fresh water.

‘We are in the open air here. No place to sleep, nothing to eat. No one is paying any attention to us,’ said Peng Qiong, 45, a farmer from Chaoyang village, near the epicentre.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent a condolence message to the region, expressing his sympathy for the victims. According to a statement released by the UN, they stand ready ‘to provide assistance and to mobilise any international support that may be needed’.

Meanwhile, Apple has offered to donate 50 million yuan for the earthquake-stricken areas.