Earthquake in Yunnan Province Affects Thousands, No Fatalities Reported

A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Eryuan county in Yunnan province on Thursday, causing widespread disruption and affecting over 5,900 people. Fortunately, as of 11 am, there were no reported fatalities, offering a measure of relief amidst the devastation.

The county headquarters, situated within the Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, reported that a significant number of residents, totaling 3,936, had been evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure and to ensure their safety. This evacuation underscores the severity of the situation and the proactive response of local authorities.

The earthquake resulted in considerable structural damage, with 179 houses sustaining damage. Furthermore, the tremors caused partial collapses of roads in the Sanying and Niujie townships, temporarily hindering transportation and access to affected areas. However, swift action was taken to clear the debris, and the roads have since been reopened to traffic, facilitating the delivery of aid and the movement of rescue personnel.

In response to the seismic event, the Yunnan Earthquake Agency immediately initiated a Level Ⅲ emergency response protocol. This activation triggered the deployment of a 20-person on-site work team, dispatched in waves to the affected area. The team's primary responsibilities include conducting thorough loss evaluations to assess the extent of the damage and implementing comprehensive earthquake monitoring to detect any aftershocks and ensure the ongoing safety of the region.

Local governments at both the prefecture and county levels have mobilized substantial resources to support rescue and relief operations. A total of 34 vehicles have been deployed, along with a contingent of 169 personnel, to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake. This coordinated effort highlights the commitment to providing aid and support to the community during this challenging time.