In a devastating event on December 18, 2023, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook Jishishan County, Linxia Prefecture, in Gansu Province, China, at 23:59, leaving a tragic toll of at least 111 dead. This earthquake, with its shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, wreaked havoc across the region, impacting vital infrastructure such as water, electricity, transportation, and communication systems, as per Xinhua News Agency.
Earthquake expert Chen Huizhong provided insights to Jiemian News on why the casualties were particularly high in this incident. The quake's substantial magnitude and shallow epicenter depth contributed to significant surface damage. The timing of the earthquake, striking around midnight when most residents were likely asleep, exacerbated the situation, catching many off guard and unable to seek safety promptly.
The epicenter was perilously close to populated areas, only 8 kilometers from Jishishan County and within a 100-kilometer radius from Lanzhou City and other populated counties. Chen emphasized that while the region is not as densely populated as eastern China, the affected areas had a considerable population. Furthermore, the less developed local economy and weaker earthquake-resistant infrastructure compared to eastern regions played a role in the severity of the disaster.
gnant reminder of the relentless force of nature and the importance of robust, earthquake-resistant infrastructure, especially in regions known for seismic activity.
At least 111 people have died after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted an ethnic county in China's Gansu. pic.twitter.com/ZwIf4oVhnX — China Xinhua News (@XHNews) December 19, 2023
The China Earthquake Networks Center noted that the seismic event occurred near the Laji Mountain fault, about 3 kilometers from the nearest fault line. The Laji Mountain, marking the transition between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's hinterland and the Loess Plateau, is an ancient fault reactivated in the late Cenozoic period, now forming a rejuvenated orogenic belt.
This fault zone comprises two arc-shaped compressive thrust fault zones, shaping the boundaries of several late Cenozoic rift basins. Historically, the area has witnessed over 20 moderate earthquakes of around magnitude 5, indicating its seismic activity. The combination of geological factors, population density, and structural vulnerabilities contributed to the high fatality and injury rates.
As rescue operations continue and the community begins the arduous process of recovery and rebuilding, this tragic incident serves as a poi
