China earthquake: Death toll rises to 74

The death toll from Monday’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit China’s southwestern province of Sichuan has risen to 74 with 259 people injured and 26 missing as of Tuesday night.

The strongest earthquake to hit the province since 2017 destroyed numerous buildings and caused severe damage to power and water infrastructure as well as telecommunications.

Rescuers rushed to reach stranded people, restore utilities and send emergency relief, while 11,000 people were evacuated on Tuesday from Luding county, where the quake was centred.

Reports say China has reopened roads leading to the epicentre of the earthquake and traffic has resumed.

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Early on Wednesday, China Earthquake Networks Centre recorded a magnitude 3 aftershock at the epicentre, at a depth of 12 km (7.5 miles).

Weather forecasters have also warned of the prospect of heavy rains in the region until Friday.

Zainab Sa’id