In 1976, earthquake in China’s Tangshan kills over 240,000 people – SCMP archive

On July 28, 1976, a powerful earthquake struck the industrial region of northern Hopei Province, China. This tremor, the strongest in 12 years, caused significant damage to industrial plants and property, with fears of heavy casualties. The initial quake was followed by numerous aftershocks, and a subsequent aftershock of nearly equal intensity struck the same area 16 hours later, exacerbating the damage and casualties. The article, published on July 29, 1976, reported on the immediate aftermath of this devastating event.