Sichuan, China was struck by a huge earthquake yesterday, measuring up at 7.9 on the richter scale. It is .1 higher than the famous TangShan earthquake of 1976 which was widely believed to be the largest earthquake of the 20th century in terms of human cost; a staggering estimated 750,000 deaths.
Yesterday's quake has the world shocked as official deaths released from the Chinese government already measuring up to 12,000. But because these estimates by the government are notoriously inaccurate, we can expect a far higher actual number in the days to come from external sources.
Unlike the Tangshan earthquake, which happened during the dead of the night while people were sleeping, thus causing such a high number of deaths, Sichuan was hit during the day but has caused a significant number of child injuries due to the disaster happening during schooltimes.
The shock was so strong that it was felt as far as Bangkok and some parts of Vietnam.
Let's just hope the government will act fast and efficiently and accept foreign aid when needed and not make the mistakes they made at Tangshan.
People fleeing a building during the quake
Comments (1)
I was shocked when this first came on the news, and immediately thought of all my Xanga friends who are there!
Thanks for your insight!!! Have an awesome week!
Oh and watch out for tomorrow's blog....I will do green and yellow then!!!