China Earthquake Massive At 6.9

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QINGHAI, CHINA (GaeaTimes.com)- The China earthquake that struck early on Tuesday morning was massive, measuring 6.9 on the Richter Scale, according to the Geological Survey of the United States. However, the China Earthquake Administration reported that the magnitude of the quake stood at 7.1. The earthquake struck at 7:49 in the morning, and the epicenter fell in the Qinghai province in the north eastern region of the country. Three aftershocks were reported after the initial temblor. All of them were pretty strong in magnitude, with one of them measuring 5.8 in the Richter Scale. Damages reported at present are massive, and it is being expected that the percentage would turn higher once the rescue operations reach the remoter areas of the province.

Buildings in the province have suffered massive damage in the China earthquake, with about 80% of the buildings having collapsed. A school building has also collapsed, and it is being speculated that a huge number of children might be trapped or buried inside. The Yushu Hotel in Yushu, the epicenter of the quake, has suffered a huge crack down the front. Power lines have been damaged, as have all modes of communication with telephone lines being completely destroyed. Roads are blocked, which is causing a major hindrance to the task of the rescue parties.

It is being expected that the death toll in the China earthquake, which at presently stands at 67, will rise significantly once the rescue team gets down to work properly. The remote areas of the province are likely to increase the death toll, as well as a survey of the damaged buildings, in which a huge number of people are likely to remain buried.