Rescuers Struggling to Reach Survivors as China Quake Toll Hits 617

Rescuers fought altitude sickness, chilly weather, strong winds and frequent aftershocks Thursday to dig through rubble and reach survivors of a strong earthquake that has left 617 dead, 9,110 injured and 313 missing in northwest China.

The 7.1—magnitude quake, which struck the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in southern Qinghai Province early on Wednesday, also toppled 15,000 residential buildings and forced 100,000 residents to be relocated, according to the rescue headquarters, reports The Hindu news website.

Many people are still buried under the debris of collapsed houses in the Gyegu Town near the epicenter, the seat of the Yushu prefecture government and home to 100,000 people. It sits at about 4,000 meters above sea level.

More than 85 percent of houses in Gyegu, mostly made of mud and wood, had collapsed.

“Freezing weather, high altitude and thin air have all made rescue efforts difficult,” said Hou Shike, deputy head of the China International Search and Rescue Team, adding that roads linking the airport and Gyegu were blocked by landslides triggered by the quake, which hampered rescue missions.

“We have begun searching and rescue operation in Gyegu overnight, and will set up a field hospital today,” he said.