China: Earthquake - Nov 1988

On 6 November 1988, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the richter scale hit southwest China in Lancang and Menglian counties of Yunnan province. The population of 14 counties in Yunnan province is 3.1 million, of which over 1 million people were affected by the earthquake. 3,364 persons were seriously injured. Over 200,000 buildings, including 144,000 houses, collapsed. In addition, 500,000 buildings, including 253,000 houses, were damaged. Almost 1,000 schools and 98 clinics were destroyed. In Lancang county, 2,590 persons were injured, and 70 percent of the population was affected. 74 percent of houses were damaged/destroyed and 40,000 mt of grain was reportedly ruined. (UN DHA, 14 Nov 1988)