Xinjiang Wushi 7.1-magnitude earthquake area: People’s production and life gradually getting back on track, resettlement work safe and orderly
Xinhua News Agency, Urumqi, January 26
In the wake of the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Wushi County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang on the 23rd of January, life in the disaster-stricken areas is gradually returning to normal. Xinhua News Agency reporters visited the affected areas and found that relevant resettlement work is proceeding in a safe and orderly manner.
In Aheqi County, some shops, restaurants, and other businesses have resumed operations. Barber shop owner Kuwatibek Zhumahong expressed, “We resumed business yesterday afternoon. We opened the shop early to meet everyone’s daily needs.” The community is making efforts to restore normalcy after the earthquake.
Following the earthquake, some industrial enterprises in Wushi County temporarily suspended production for maintenance to ensure safe operations. Of the more than 40 industrial enterprises in the county, all except one have resumed normal production. Shuai Yaobin, workshop director of Xinjiang Dal Biotechnology Co., Ltd., stated that the company has conducted maintenance and resumed production after the earthquake caused equipment damage.
Aftershocks have been ongoing in Wushi and Aheqi counties, but the local authorities have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents. Resettlement sites have normal water and power supply, effective food and heating guarantees, and thorough safety and health measures.
Liu Litao, leader of the Kezhou Fire Rescue Detachment, emphasized the importance of fire safety in densely populated resettlement sites. The fire department has mobilized rescue forces to investigate and eliminate fire safety hazards and educate the masses on safe electricity usage.
Medical staff are providing consultations, medications, and regular disinfection to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the resettlement sites. At the Tuowanke Yamansu Village, medical staff are divided into groups to conduct inspections and address the health needs of the residents.
In response to the earthquake, local grassroots party organizations have organized party members and cadres to set up volunteer service teams, provide self-rescue knowledge to the masses, and offer psychological counseling. Liang Renjun, Deputy Director of the Organization Department of the Aheqi County Party Committee, explained that 1,254 party members and cadres have been involved in these efforts, benefiting over 20,000 people.
The resilient response to the earthquake and the ongoing recovery efforts in Xinjiang demonstrate the unity and determination of the affected communities in the face of adversity.