State media reported on Tuesday that a seismic event in northwest China has resulted in the collapse of buildings, leading to the tragic death of at least 116 individuals. Rescue operations are underway despite freezing conditions, with at least 105 casualties and nearly 400 injuries reported in Gansu province, where the powerful tremor occurred around midnight. 

According to local officials, an additional 11 people lost their lives, and 100 were injured in the city of Haidong in the neighboring province of Qinghai. The earthquake caused homes to crumble, resulting in significant damage and prompting people to seek safety in the streets.

A video posted on a social media account affiliated with the state-run People's Daily newspaper captured the fear experienced by a woman in her thirties. She described the terrifying moment when she fled her house, with the earth from a nearby mountain collapsing onto the roof.

Footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed personal belongings scattered amidst the debris of a collapsed house. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" in the search and relief operations, acknowledging the challenging high-altitude conditions with temperatures below freezing.

The US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake as magnitude 5.9, striking near the border of Gansu and Qinghai provinces. The epicenter, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Gansu's capital, Lanzhou, caused widespread tremors, even reaching the major city of Xi'an in northern Shaanxi province, about 570 kilometers away.