Earthquake in China: 100 people may be dead

The Chinese government estimates that at least 100 people may have died in the earthquake in Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan province, that occurred on the evening of August 8.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake in Jiuzhaigou has killed at least seven people and the death toll is expected to rise to hundreds, according to Chinese authorities.

As of this morning, August 9, Chinese state media have given different information about the number of casualties. According to Xinhua, the earthquake in Jiuzhaigou on the evening of August 8 left 7 people dead and 88 injured, of whom 21 were seriously injured, while the People's Daily reported 9 dead and more than 130 injured.

However, China's National Disaster Management Commission estimated that nearly 100 people may have died in the quake, based on 2010 data from the sparsely populated mountainous region. Preliminary assessments estimated that more than 130,000 homes may have been damaged.

At least 100 people may have died in the earthquake in Jiuzhaigou. Photo: DW.

Many tourists were among the victims, officials said. Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its beautiful lakes and waterfalls, is in the danger zone. About 100 tourists remain trapped there after the earthquake and emergency workers are working to rescue them.

"The number of deaths is pending confirmation," a Sichuan provincial official told German news agency DPA.

Chinese state television announced that the Jiuzhaigou scenic area will remain closed and declared a state of emergency in the area.

The 6.5 magnitude earthquake came just a day after a landslide triggered by heavy rains killed at least 24 people south of Chengdu.

According to Kienthuc.net.vn