China earthquake death toll rises to 82 as rain and threat of mudslides hamper rescue efforts
- Thousands of residents have been displaced after the quake hit the southwestern province of Sichuan on Monday
- Rescuers are continuing search operations and to clean up landslides as they try to evacuate villagers in remote areas
The magnitude 6.8 quake hit about 43km (26 miles) southeast of the city of Kangding in Sichuan province at a depth of 10km on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey, forcing thousands to be resettled into temporary camps.
State broadcaster CCTV said that 46 people died in Ganzi prefecture near the epicentre, while 36 deaths were reported in neighbouring Yaan city.
More than 270 were injured, while the number of missing remained at 35, CCTV reported.
The national weather service said moderate rain will continue in the affected earthquake area on Thursday and Friday, with some localised heavy showers.
“Since the post-earthquake geological conditions are inherently fragile, and the impact of additional rainfall may lead to landslides and mudslides, the local area needs to beware of secondary disasters,” China’s meteorological administration said.
The People’s Liberation Army, paramilitary police and fire rescue services dispatched more than 10,000 workers to the area, who continued search operations and landslide clean-up efforts in the remote countryside.
