Earthquake hits southwestern China leaving two dead

On Monday, May 18, an earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale struck the Guangxi region in southwestern China. The event resulted in at least two confirmed deaths, with one person reported missing. Approximately 7,000 residents in Liuzhou city were evacuated from their homes as a precaution. State media reports, including CCTV and Xinhua, confirm that four individuals were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Thirteen buildings collapsed during the tremors, and several others sustained cracks. Transportation services, particularly rail networks, faced disruptions due to mandatory safety inspections. Despite the structural damage, essential services such as electricity, water, natural gas, and communications remain operational. Rescue and recovery operations are currently ongoing in the affected areas.