What do we know so far? Chinese state media says at least 118 people have been killed after an earthquake struck a mountainous region of Gansu, northwestern China. It came before the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reported that a second earthquake had struck the Xinjiang region in the northwest of the country. It is not yet clear if there have been any deaths of injuries as a result of the second quake. China’s official Xinhua News Agency has reported that 105 people died after the 6.2 magnitude quake struck Gansu.

Another 13 died in the neighbouring province of Qinghai after the quake. In total more than 550 people have been injured and at least 20 are still missing. Some 5,000 homes are reported to have been damaged. China’s state broadcaster CCTV reports that President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out search and rescue effort to minimise the number of casualties. It reported that water and electricity lines, as well as transportation and communications infrastructure, have been damaged.

Shockwaves were felt in Lanzhou, the Gansu provincial capital, about 1,450 kilometres (900 miles) southwest of the capital of Beijing. University students there rushed out of their dorms, according to a social media post that had images showing young people standing outside. Tents, folding beds and quilts were being sent to the disaster area, CCTV said. Provincial leaders arrive to inspect rescue work – The heads of the Gansu and Qinghai provinces of northwestern China have arrived at quake-hit locations to inspect rescue work taking place there, we’ve learnt this morning.

They are joined by provincial party secretaries, who are also overseeing the operation. China’s finance ministry has allocated 200 million yuan (£22m) to both areas for relief work, in addition to the 20 million yuan (£2.2m) of funds provided by the Gansu province for local efforts. China’s meteorological administration says low temperatures at high altitudes are proving one of the biggest tests for the rescue effort in Jieshishan County. The average altitude in the mountainous region is 3,000m, and weather forecasts suggest temperatures could fall as low as -14C.

Local rescue teams are also reporting that the cold temperatures are making the situation unpredictable for those who remain trapped. Taiwanese president offers condolences amid tensions in the region. Taiwan’s leader has set aside her country’s tensions with China to offer condolences to the families of the 118 people killed in the quake. Tsai Ing-wen also offered her government’s help for the rescue and relief operation. In a post to X, she said: “My sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in the recent earthquake in northwestern China.

“We pray that all those affected receive the aid they need, and we hope for a swift recovery. Taiwan stands ready to offer assistance in the disaster response effort.” China has not stated whether it will request help from overseas teams. Tensions between Taipei and Beijing have become increasingly strained in recent years as China seeks to assert its sovereignty claims over Taiwan with political and military pressure. Students smash the door down, rush out and start a bonfire – These three videos illustrate the hurried response by students across northwestern China after the 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook the region.

In Qinghai, a province neighbouring Gansu where strong tremors were felt, students were filmed running and gathering in a sports ground for safety.  Many wrapped themselves in duvets due to the extreme cold being felt there at the moment. There were similar scenes in Jishishan County in Gansu, where the earthquake struck overnight. Students huddled for warmth around bonfires amid sub-zero temperatures.

‘My legs went weak’ – A student at Lanzhou University in Gansu has described the moment the earthquake hit last night. Wang Xi, who posted photos and videos of students running from their dormitory buildings and standing outside wearing coats over their pyjamas, said: “The earthquake was too intense”. “My legs went weak, especially when we ran downstairs from the dormitory.”

Courtesy: Sky News