Powerful 5.4-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Eastern China, Leaving 21 Injured and Destructive Aftermath

A powerful 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern China in the early hours of Sunday, causing widespread damage and leaving at least 21 people injured. The earthquake, which struck at 2:33 am (1833 GMT Saturday), hit the city of Dezhou in Shandong province, with a depth of 10 kilometers.

This was the strongest earthquake to hit the province in over a decade, according to state-run tabloid the Global Times. The impact of the earthquake was felt far beyond the epicenter, reaching as far as Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai, which is located approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) away. Videos circulated on social media showed shaking light fixtures, trembling ground, and people evacuating their buildings.

One video even captured people walking past scattered bricks on the ground. According to China's Ministry of Emergency Management, a level-four emergency response has been launched, and a team has been sent to Shandong province to lead the rescue efforts. State broadcaster CCTV reported that at least 126 houses or buildings had collapsed, and there were 52 aftershocks following the initial quake.

While the damage appeared relatively minor, with cracked walls and scattered bricks observed near the epicenter, the local community came together to assist with the clean-up. The earthquake prompted locals to rebuild and repair affected structures, with one resident stating that their old house would need to be demolished and rebuilt.

Authorities are working diligently to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. China's Ministry of Emergency Management has assured the public that the possibility of a larger earthquake is very small, providing some relief during this challenging time.

Although earthquakes are not uncommon in China, it is rare for them to occur in the eastern part of the country, which is densely populated and home to major cities. As the recovery and reconstruction efforts continue, it is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and support each other as they rebuild and recover from this natural disaster.