There has been a large earthquake in China. So far, there have been 207 deaths, 11,500 injuries and 960 serious injuries. A 6.6-7.0 magnitude quake struck Ya’an (雅安) on the western side of the Sichuan province (四川). While it’s not the biggest quake China has suffered, it’s definitely a very serious issue and the Chinese government seem to be taking the issue quite seriously. According to a few articles that I’ve read, I’ve come to conclusion that the Chinese government sent 8,000 PLA soldiers, 1,400 provincial rescue workers and 180 emergency response doctors to the affected areas.
I can fill nothing but sorrow for these people as very recently in Taiwan a minor 6.0 quake struck Taichung (The city I live in) and I felt the power of mother nature then. The shaking only lasted 10 seconds or so. However, reports are that the shaking in China in the Sichuan province lasted for a minute straight and the shaking was obviously at far greater magnitude. If I remember correctly, the death toll pales in comparison to the 2008 earthquake that killed 90,000 people in the Sichuan province. – Though I believe that was a 8.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the area in question back in 2008.
Here’s a great video that the BBC produced that explains what went on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3ySVHB4hEA
