The earthquake that struck southwestern China earlier this week killed at least 86 people, according to a toll released on Thursday as rain and the risk of mudslides complicate relief efforts.
Quake, of magnitude 6.6, shook the rural canton of Ludingin the mountainous province of Sichuan.
A final balance announced Thursday afternoon by state television CCTV details that 50 people died in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where the epicenter was located, and 36 in the neighboring Shimian canton.
The meteorological services also issued on Thursday an alert due to rain in the area. "These precipitation events can cause landslides and mudslides."they warned.
More than 10,000 first responders -military, paramilitary and firefighters- participate in the operations as well as in the prevention of possible mudslides.
To evacuate the victims, rescuers have had to hoist them up with ropes and stretchers to cross the rivers in this mountainous area.
in the torrents, "underwater stones that cannot be seen are the greatest threat"Tan Ke, a member of the rescue team, explained to CCTV. "We have water up to our thighs"he added.
More than 22,000 people were evacuated and sheltered in 124 temporary accommodationsaccording to the People’s Daily.
On the other hand, about 1,800 schools in the region reopened normally on Wednesday.
On Monday, at the time of the earthquake, more than 21,000 students and staff members in Shimian canton had to be evacuated.
Hundreds of kilometers of electrical and optical cables were damaged by the earthquake. However, communications in the affected areas were "practically restored" on Thursday, according to the China Youth Daily.