A magnitude-6.8 earthquake rocked southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday, collapsing buildings and stranding over 200 people at the Hailuogou Scenic Spot—a UNESCO-recognized glacial valley famed for its lush forests and ice formations. Rescue teams are battling damaged infrastructure to reach survivors, with roads severed and helicopters grounded by foggy conditions.
First responders have resorted to hiking into the disaster zone with life detectors and medical supplies, according to eyewitness reports. "Entire hillsides slid down, burying sections of the park road," said CGTN stringer Zhang Xi from the scene. "The focus now is locating those trapped under rubble before temperatures drop."
Authorities activated emergency protocols within minutes of the quake, deploying 1,200 personnel from the Sichuan Fire Department. Mobile networks remain unstable, complicating coordination efforts. No casualties have been confirmed yet, but hospitals in nearby Luding County are on high alert.
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Rescue efforts underway after M6.8 quake jolts Sichuan Province
cgtn.com
