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Northwest China quake kills at least 73

More than 600 injured, many flee their homes
Northwest China quake kills at least 73

Tents are set up in Min county after the earthquake

Published: July 22, 2013 08:44 AM GMT
Updated: July 22, 2013 04:02 AM GMT

At least 73 people were killed and 600 others injured today when a 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Gansu province in northwestern China, officials said.

“More than 21,000 buildings were severely damaged and more than 1,200 have collapsed,” in and around the city of Dingxi, according to the earthquake bureau in Gansu.

Deaths and injuries were reported in Min county and around southern parts of the city, which has a population of 26 million, Dingxi Mayor Tang Xiaoming told state broadcaster CCTV.

The worst damage was recorded in Zhang and Min counties, where many homes were damaged and telephone and electricity services knocked out, he said.

Gansu military police have deployed 500 soldiers, including 120 specialist rescuers, while 500 emergency tents and 2,000 blankets have been sent to affected areas.

The quake comes just weeks after severe hailstorms destroyed many crops in the area.

Father Liu Xinfu, who serves in Min county but was out of town when the earthquake hit, managed to contact several villagers after the disaster.

“Many villagers were saved because they awoke early to work on their farms. But their houses were severely damaged and are now too dangerous to live in,” he told ucanews.com.

“Weather reports predict there will be heavy downpours on Wednesday, we are in urgent need of tents and food as well as prayers,” he said.

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