Characteristics of Earthquake Casualties in Gansu Province from 2000 to 2021
This study conducted a comprehensive review of reports detailing earthquake events in Gansu province from the year 2000 to 2021,which resulted in fatalities and injuries.Utilizing disaster-induced loss assessment reports and supplementary data,we categor-ized and statistically analyzed the patterns of casualties associated with these earthquake events.Our findings indicate that the two-dec-ade span marks the period with the most severe earthquake-related casualties since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.The spatial distribution of earthquake casualties is notably uneven,with the southeastern regions of the province experiencing sig-nificantly more severe impacts compared to the western regions.Notably,Longnan city,Dingxi city,and the Gannan Tibetan Autonom-ous Prefecture have recorded the highest numbers of casualties and injuries.The primary cause of fatalities was building collapse,al-though in Longnan city,the number of deaths due to secondary disasters,such as landslides and rolling stones,was comparable to those caused by the initial seismic shock.This underscores the necessity for heightened awareness and preparedness for secondary disasters in these areas post-earthquake.Additionally,the study highlights a concerningly high proportion of victims aged 60～79,which may be linked to the rapid aging of the population and the growing number of elderly individuals living alone in rural settings.Furthermore,the study reveals that earthquakes of magnitudes below M6.0 occur with relative frequency and,despite a lower mortality rate,contribute significantly to the severity of injuries sustained.In the economically disadvantaged southeastern regions,characterized by substandard construction and inadequate land management,even earthquakes of magnitudes below M5.0 have the potential to result in a significant number of casualties.This study underscores the importance of robust disaster preparedness and response strategies,particularly in vul-nerable areas,to mitigate the impact of future seismic events and safeguard the lives of residents.
Earthquake disasterCasualtyCharacteristicGansu province
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