Thousands evacuated after buildings collapse in Guangxi
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early Monday, leaving two people dead and several buildings destroyed.
The quake hit Liuzhou city at about 12:21 a.m. local time, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Authorities confirmed that one person remained missing as rescue operations continued.
Victims identified as rescue efforts continue
State broadcaster CCTV identified the victims as a 63-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman.
Emergency officials launched search operations shortly after the earthquake struck the area.
Rescue teams searched through debris while trained dogs looked for survivors trapped under collapsed structures.
Authorities also deployed earthmovers to clear damaged buildings and blocked roads.
Buildings collapse as residents flee homes
Officials said the earthquake caused 13 buildings to collapse across affected communities.
More than 7,000 residents evacuated the area as emergency workers assessed the damage.
Videos shared by CCTV showed frightened residents running from high-rise buildings moments after the tremor.
Other footage captured piles of rubble scattered around destroyed homes and streets.
China records frequent earthquake activity
Earthquakes occur regularly in several parts of China due to active seismic zones.
In January, a powerful earthquake struck Tibet and killed at least 126 people.
That disaster also damaged thousands of homes and public buildings across the region.
Authorities continue to monitor the Guangxi area for possible aftershocks.
