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 border area between 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 event sent tremors 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 within just 12 seconds from the first tremor to structural collapse. In such a short time, staying calm is crucial. If you're in a single-story house, quickly move outside. However, if you're in a multi-story building, immediately turn off gas and electricity, extinguish any flames, and take cover under a sturdy table or bed. If possible, hide in a small room like a bathroom or kitchen, protecting your head with your hands or a pillow. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth to avoid inhaling dust, lower your body, and avoid jumping out of the building. As the saying goes, "Small quakes don't need to run, big quakes can't run." Running during an earthquake increases the risk of falling or being crushed. Avoid moving around, crowding, or rushing down stairs, as these areas are more prone to collapse and injury. According to studies from the Tangshan earthquake, many casualties resulted from people trying to escape, ranking third among causes of death.

2. Earthquake Safety at School

If you're on a playground or outdoors, immediately crouch down, protect your head with both hands, and avoid tall buildings or hazardous objects. Do not return to the classroom. After the shaking stops, follow an organized evacuation plan. Never jump from windows or balconies. In crowded places like schools, shops, or theaters, take cover under desks, chairs, or near walls, and protect your head. Avoid glass doors, chandeliers, fans, and other fragile items. Panic can lead to chaos and injuries. During the 1970 Tonghai earthquake, most fatalities were found near building entrances, showing that fleeing during the quake was often fatal.

3. Outdoor Safety

If driving, hold onto the handrail, lower your head, and avoid falling or getting injured. Crouch near the seat and wait for the car to stop. For pedestrians, cover your head with your hands or any available object and move to an open area. Avoid tall buildings, especially those with glass, chimneys, or billboards. Don’t hide in narrow alleys or enter low-level buildings, as they may collapse. If in the countryside, move away from hillsides, riverbanks, power lines, and poles to prevent landslides or flooding.

4. Self-Rescue Tips

If buried in rubble, stay calm and try to clear space around you. Use bricks or wood to support heavy objects and prevent further collapse. If indoors, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth to avoid suffocation from gas leaks. Conserve energy, create breathing space, and remain hopeful. When escaping, remove your jacket and loosen your belt to avoid getting stuck in debris.

5. Mutual Rescue Guidelines

Time is critical when rescuing others after an earthquake. Prioritize nearby victims and rescue young, healthy individuals first, as they can assist in further rescue efforts. Focus on saving those who can be easily reached and respond to sounds. When helping, expose the victim’s head first, clear their airway, and provide artificial respiration if needed. People who have been in darkness should be slowly exposed to light, and those who have been hungry should be fed gradually. During early rescue operations, digging by hand is common, but care must be taken to avoid causing dust or debris that could harm the rescued.

6. Home Preparedness for Earthquakes

After an earthquake forecast is issued, it's essential to prepare at home. Develop an emergency plan and check for potential hazards. Secure furniture to prevent tipping, remove wall hangings, and clear walkways. Keep flammable materials safely stored. Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, medical supplies, ropes, and radios. Also, ensure fire safety by turning off gas and stoves before major shaking occurs, and keep fire extinguishers close by.