At least 126 killed after magnitude-6.2 earthquake hits northwest China

A magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck one of China’s poorest regions just before midnight on Monday, killing at least 126 people, injuring hundreds and bringing down mud houses in remote villages that never stood a chance.

The authorities quickly mobilised several emergency responses, but their work was complicated as the earthquake wrecked roads and infrastructure, triggered landslides, and half buried a village in silt.

The quake was China’s deadliest since 2014, damaging more than 155,000 buildings, according to CCTV, and sent residents running into the freezing streets for safety.

Most of China is already grappling with below-freezing conditions after a powerful cold wave swept across the country.