Earthquake Aftermath: Unraveling the Menace of Ground Liquefaction
In the wake of a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in northwestern China, a village succumbs to the silent peril of ground liquefaction, a phenomenon first witnessed during the 2017 Pohang earthquake in South Korea. The mudslides, some as high as 2.5 meters, paint a grim picture of destruction, burying homes and leaving 20 villagers missing.
Arriving mere minutes after the earthquake struck, the village was already shrouded in mud, necessitating heavy machinery to navigate through the thick aftermath. The gate to the village, once a welcoming entrance, now stands blocked by the remnants of the liquefaction process.
Ground liquefaction, a forceful transformation of waterlogged sand deep underground during seismic events, is pinpointed as the culprit behind the devastation. The confirmed casualties in Gansu have surpassed 1,100, with relief efforts hampered by a harsh cold wave and over 400 aftershocks.
In a unique twist, the majority of the 80,000 victims are Muslims, adding complexity to relief supply distribution. Urgent needs on the ground include winter gear, clothing, blankets, and "halal food" for the survivors.
Despite extensive emergency relief budgets from central and local governments, the Communist Party of China (CPC) contributes 18.2 billion yuan in party funds to aid recovery.
As we grapple with the ramifications of liquefaction, experts emphasize the necessity of reevaluating seismic designs, especially in soft, sandy terrains. The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters worldwide underscores the urgent need for comprehensive responses to climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: What is ground liquefaction, and how does it contribute to earthquake damage? A1: Ground liquefaction occurs during earthquakes when the ground shakes, causing it to mix with groundwater and become watery. It weakens the ground, leading to mudslides and collapse.
Q2: Why are relief efforts challenging in Gansu after the earthquake? A2: The unrelenting cold wave and over 400 aftershocks complicate rescue efforts, with urgent needs for winter gear, clothing, blankets, and "halal food" for the majority-Muslim victims.
Q3: How does the Communist Party of China contribute to emergency relief? A3: The CPC allocates 18.2 billion yuan in party funds to support recovery efforts alongside government budgets.
Q4: Why is there a need to reevaluate seismic designs in the affected areas? A4: Liquefaction weakens the ground, rendering existing seismic designs ineffective. Experts stress the importance of redesigning seismic plans, especially in soft, sandy terrains.
Q5: How does this event tie into the global discourse on climate change? A5: The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters worldwide heightens awareness of the urgent need for comprehensive responses to climate change.
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