Relief Efforts Underway in Gansu, Following Devastating Earthquake
Relief Efforts Underway in Gansu, Following Devastating Earthquake
As per the latest reports, the earthquake in Gansu province had claimed the lives of 131 people, 772 injured individuals have been admitted to various hospitals, while 198 people have sustained injuries. As of 9 a.m. on December 20, the earthquake has caused the collapse of 14,939 houses and damage to 207,204 houses in Gansu, affecting 37,162 households and 145,736 individuals.
As of 19th, power supply has been restored across the earthquake-affected areas and all major highways, including expressways and national and provincial trunk roads, are fully accessible.
The Gansu Provincial Seismic and Disaster Relief Headquarters announced on the 20th that the rescue operations in Gansu have mostly concluded. The focus will now shift towards providing medical treatment to the injured and ensuring the displaced residents are adequately accommodated. Currently, a total of 87,076 individuals have been temporarily relocated to safe areas in Gansu. Nineteen medical assistance teams comprising 667 personnel and 99 ambulances were dispatched by provincial, prefectural, and county authorities to conduct triage and provide medical treatment. Furthermore, efforts have been made to swiftly relocate and provide temporary shelter to the affected population. To date, a total of 20,457 households, comprising 87,076 individuals, have been successfully relocated. Emergency relief supplies, including tents, blankets, tent lights, folding beds, and moisture-proof mats, amounting to 128,830 items, have been deployed.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary support to the affected population. The earthquake has brought immense hardship to the people of Gansu and Qinghai provinces, but the collective resilience and determined efforts of the rescue teams and support organizations offer a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.
China’s Space Station and HarmonyOS Make the Global Top Ten Engineering Achievements of 2023
In a significant recognition of China’s technological advancements, the country’s space station project and the HarmonyOS have been selected as part of the Global Top Ten Engineering Achievements for 2023. The announcement was made by the Chinese Academy of Engineering and other institutions in Beijing. These achievements highlight groundbreaking projects and technological innovations that have the potential to shape various industries and benefit society as a whole.
Among the notable engineering feats included in the list are; ChatGPT; China’s Space Station; Exascale Supercomputer; Baihetan Hydropower Station; Dual Asteroid Redirection Test; RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine; HarmonyOS; Spot and Atlas Robots; Lithium-ion Power Batteries; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
China’s space station project and the HarmonyOS operating system showcase the nation’s commitment to technological advancement and innovation. These achievements further solidify China’s presence in the global engineering landscape, highlighting the country’s contributions to scientific progress and technological breakthroughs. As China continues to make strides in various fields of engineering, these accolades underscore the country’s dedication to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of technology on a global scale.
China’s Oil Price Confronts The Largest Drop This Year
According to the National Development and Reform Commission, starting from December 20th, the price of gasoline will be reduced by 415 yuan per ton, and the price of diesel will be reduced by 400 yuan per ton. This marks the “sixth consecutive decline” in oil prices and the largest drop this year. Taking a private car with a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters as an example, after this adjustment, the owner will save about 16 yuan when fueling a car. It is expected that oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia are still determined to continue production cuts, and the rate hike cycle of the US Federal Reserve is approaching its end. Market confidence will gradually recover. It is anticipated that there is a higher probability of a price increase in the next round of refined oil adjustments.
The continuous decline in oil prices will reduce the driving cost of vehicles. At the same time, the widespread cold wave in China has led to a surge in electricity consumption and an increase in electricity prices. Therefore, the cost of using traditional vehicles compared to new energy vehicles will further narrow. China’s new energy vehicle market will be impacted.