5.2-Magnitude earthquake kills couple in South China, triggers mass evacuation

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake has struck the Guangxi in southern China, leaving two people dead, 13 buildings collapsed, and one person missing, according to state media reports.

The quake hit Liuzhou city at about 12:21 a.m. (1621 GMT) on Monday, state news agency Xinhua News Agency reported.

State broadcaster China Central Television identified the deceased as a 63-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman, described as a couple.

Authorities said search and rescue operations are ongoing for the missing person, while emergency teams continue to comb through collapsed structures.

Widespread damage and evacuations

Local officials confirmed that at least 13 buildings collapsed in the quake-hit area, while more than 7,000 residents were evacuated as a precaution.

Videos aired by CCTV showed residents fleeing high-rise buildings in panic, as rescue workers moved through rubble searching for survivors.

Emergency responders were also seen using excavators and search dogs to clear debris and locate trapped individuals.

Rescue operations ongoing

Rescue teams remain deployed across affected communities, with authorities prioritising the search for the missing person and stabilisation of damaged structures.

Officials have not yet provided a full damage assessment but say emergency response operations are continuing.

China experiences frequent seismic activity due to its geological location.

In January last year, a major earthquake in the Tibet region killed at least 126 people and destroyed thousands of buildings, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to strong tremors.