At least 126 people have been killed in north-west China in the country’s deadliest earthquake in 13 years. The 6.2 magnitude quake hit Gansu province, shaking neighboring Qinghai, and over 700 people have been injured in icy conditions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered thousands of rescue crews to the region, which is among the poorest and most diverse in China. The quake caused extensive damage to villages, collapsed buildings, and houses, with temperatures hitting -13C (8.7F).
The epicentre of the quake was in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, home to many Chinese Muslim groups. The quake measured 6.2 on the Richter scale, while the US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 5.9 and depth of 10km (6 miles).
About 10 aftershocks have taken place. Power and water supplies have been disrupted across the region, hindering rescue efforts. President Xi Jinping has called for all efforts to carry out search and rescue, treat injured individuals in a timely manner, and minimize casualties.
