Northern China was hit by a powerful earthquake late Monday, causing at least 127 deaths and leaving over 500 injured in Gansu province. The tremor, ranging from 5.9 to 6.2 in magnitude, affected Jishishan County and nearby Qinghai province, felt even in Lanzhou, the provincial capital.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged exhaustive efforts to save lives amidst ongoing rescue operations. The quake damaged about 6,000 structures, disrupted power and water supply, impacting one of China’s poorest regions.

Several aftershocks followed, with a magnitude-5.5 quake hitting neighboring Xinjiang province. Rescue teams mobilized, railways halted traffic, and volunteers were dispatched by the provincial fire and rescue bureau.

Images released by state media depicted people fleeing homes, wrapped in blankets amidst freezing temperatures. With temperatures forecasted to drop to -10 degrees Celsius, the situation remained challenging.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen conveyed condolences, expressing readiness to assist in the disaster response effort.