Quake Hits Sichuan Again

Premier Li Keqiang visited Ya'an after the magnitude 6.6 quake struck Sichuan

An earthquake in China’s southwestern Sichuan province, measured by the US Geological Survey at magnitude 6.6, has killed 196 people, injured more than 13,000 and destroyed about 126,000 homes, according to state media. Tens of thousands of people have been left homeless after the quake struck Saturday (20th April) morning, causing widespread devastation in Sichuan province. The disaster comes five years after a massive quake in the same province that left 90,000 people dead or missing.

On Friday the rescue effort was continuing. Rescue teams have been hampered by blocked roads caused by landslides and traffic congestion in their hunt for survivors. State media reported on Thursday that a 78-year-old man was rescued five days after the earthquake hit.

All entertainment activities in Sichuan was halted in public places on Saturday (27th April) to mourn the victims of a deadly earthquake that struck exactly a week ago, state media reported. The public mourning began with the sound of sirens at 8.02am, the moment the tremor struck, followed by three minutes of silent remembrance, the official Xinhua news agency reported. CCTV state television showed footage of mourners bowing in remembrance at one ceremony held in front of a black and white banner printed with words of condolence.