Death toll from Chinese earthquake rises to 46

An earthquake in southwest China’s Sichuan province killed 46 people, injured more than 50, and left 16 people missing, according to the People’s Daily newspaper on Tuesday.

The Luding area, about 200 kilometers from Chengdu, was the hardest hit by Monday’s 6.8-magnitude earthquake.

The earthquake destroyed homes and caused landslides. Many streets remained closed on Tuesday, while power, water, and communications were all disrupted.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway, with thousands of people assisting with recovery efforts. The authorities also mobilised the military to assist.

There were several aftershocks, with the strongest measured at a magnitude of 4.2.

Communication with the outside world was disrupted for 35,000 households, the People’s Daily reported.

More than 40,000 people lost their electricity supply.

Recovery workers were supported by helicopters and drones searching from the air. Heavier equipment was also being used to clear affected areas.

China’s Finance Ministry and the Sichuan government have each provided 50 million yuan (around 7.2 million dollars) in financial aid, according to state media.