Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue Team members depart for Gansu for earthquake relief on December 19, 2023. (Photo/Chongqing Daily and Visual Chongqing)
Chongqing - Rescue teams from Chongqing swiftly responded on Tuesday to a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted Northwest China's Gansu province at midnight Monday, providing immediate assistance in earthquake relief efforts.
According to local authorities on Wednesday, the earthquake has killed 131 people in Gansu and neighboring Qinghai province.
China Anneng's rescue team in Chongqing headed to the earthquake-affected areas of Linxia Hui autonomous prefecture in Gansu on Tuesday with 33 members and eight sets of rescue equipment.
"After receiving the standby mission early this morning, we immediately gathered team members and prepared equipment. Upon receiving the official notification around 1 pm, we promptly set out in our vehicles," said Zhu Zining, a member of the team.
Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue Team members sorted equipment in the warehouse on December 19, 2023. (Photo/Chongqing Daily and Visual Chongqing)
The Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue Team, a civilian relief squad, sent 38 personnel to Gansu to engage in earthquake relief efforts on the same day.
The team deployed seven vehicles with essential equipment, including two thermal imaging drones, five lighting drones, two search-and-rescue dogs, and 25 rope sets. They also brought over 300 sets of other rescue and personal gear and over 800 sets of cotton jackets, quilts, and gloves. Additionally, they carried more than 300 boxes of instant noodles, biscuits, and other food items.
Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue Team members depart for Gansu with their equipment for earthquake relief on December 19, 2023. (Photo/Chongqing Daily and Visual Chongqing)