Common Sense of Self-rescue of 6.6 Earthquake Occurred at the Junction of Zhang County, Min County, Gansu

The China Seismic Network officially confirmed that a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the junction of Min County and Zhang County (34.5°N, 104.2°E) in Dingxi City, Gansu Province at 07:45 on July 22, with a focal depth of 20 kilometers. The tremor was felt across the region, prompting immediate emergency responses.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake occurred at the junction of Zhang County and Min County, Gansu

Earthquake Self-Help Tips

1. Emergency Measures Indoors

A destructive earthquake can strike in as little as 12 seconds, so staying calm is crucial. If you're in a single-story house, quickly move outside. If you're in a multi-story building and can't escape, turn off gas and electricity, extinguish any fires, and take cover under a sturdy table or bed, or in a small room like a bathroom or kitchen. Protect your head, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth, and stay low. Avoid jumping from buildings—remember, "Small quakes don’t need to run, big ones can’t." Running during shaking is extremely dangerous. Don’t go down stairs or rush through crowds, as these areas are more prone to collapse. According to research from the Tangshan earthquake, many casualties were caused by people trying to escape rather than taking shelter properly.

2. School Safety During Earthquakes

If you're outside or on a playground, crouch down and protect your head with your hands. Avoid tall buildings and hazardous objects. Do not return to the classroom. After the shaking stops, follow an organized evacuation. Never jump from windows or balconies. In crowded places such as schools, shops, or theaters, take cover under desks, counters, or in corners. Avoid glass windows, chandeliers, and fans. Panic can lead to stampedes and injuries. During the 1970 Tonghai earthquake, many died near doorways while trying to flee, showing how important it is to stay calm and seek shelter immediately.

3. Outdoor Safety

If driving, hold onto the handrail, lower your head, and stay seated. If on foot, cover your head with your hands or a piece of clothing and move to an open area. Avoid tall buildings, glass structures, chimneys, and power lines. Don’t hide inside buildings, especially those with weak foundations. People in mountainous or riverside areas should move away from slopes and high-voltage lines to avoid landslides and flooding.

4. What to Do if Trapped

If buried, stay calm and try to clear space around you. Use bricks or wood to support heavy objects. Cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling dust or gas. Conserve energy and wait for help. Stay positive and believe in your ability to survive. When moving, loosen your clothes and remove belts to avoid getting stuck.

5. Helping Others After an Earthquake

Time is critical when rescuing others. Focus on saving the nearest victims first, especially young and healthy individuals who can assist in rescue efforts. Prioritize those who can be saved easily. When helping, expose the injured person's head first, clear their airway, and provide artificial respiration if needed. Avoid exposing them to bright lights suddenly, and don’t feed them too much if they’ve been without food for long. During early rescue operations, many were carried out manually, so be cautious to avoid causing further harm.

6. Preparing for Earthquakes at Home

After an earthquake warning, prepare your home by securing furniture, removing hanging items, clearing pathways, and keeping flammable materials safe. Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, and basic medicines. Know when to shut off gas and electricity. The best times are before the main quake hits, after the shaking stops, and when a fire starts. Keep fire extinguishers and buckets nearby to respond quickly.