A massive winter storm dumped large amounts of snow across much of the United States over the weekend, disrupting power supplies and air travel, and prompting states of emergency across the country, with warnings that the cold may linger.
Washington, D.C. was blanketed with over 20 centimeters of snow in nearly 20 hours of snowfall, with the U.S. capital likely to remain snowbound for a while as temperatures plunge to minus 10 degrees Celsius.
Federal agencies in Washington, D.C. announced a one-day closure on Sunday, allowing employees to work from home, while transit authorities reduced routes and slowed down operations on the city's subway systems, with thousands of flights grounded at the city's three major airports.
Supermarkets supplying essential goods remained open, but there were few sales staff or customers present. Many residents had prepared ahead of time, leading to supermarket shelves emptied of items like milk and vegetables.
The powerful winter storm sweeping across the country has killed 11 people and led to massive power outages and flight cancellations, severely disrupting daily life and travel in multiple regions.
The winter storm began on Friday and moved from the southern part of the country into the Northeast, the U.S. National Weather Service said Saturday night. It noted that heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain would affect nearly 190 million people -- more than half the U.S. population -- and warned that freezing air and ice accumulation following the storm could prolong its impacts through this week.
Much of US buried in snow after massive winter storm
Much of US buried in snow after massive winter storm
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck northwest China's Gansu Province on Monday afternoon, prompting a swift emergency response and the relocation of hundreds of residents.
The quake jolted Tebo County of the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture at 14:56 Beijing Time on Monday, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
Local authorities reported no casualties, though cracks have been observed in several buildings.
More than 20,000 residents were temporarily evacuated to safety, while 280 people have been resettled in temporary shelters.
Key infrastructure, including water, electricity, transportation, and communications, remains operational.
Immediately after the quake, the office of the State Council earthquake relief headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level-IV emergency response. A work group was dispatched to the affected area to support rescue and relief efforts, while provincial rescue teams rushed to the scene.
The Gannan detachment of the People's Armed Police Force activated its emergency plan, deploying 15 officers with 40 sets of rescue equipment to the disaster area to assess damage and eliminate potential hazards.
By late evening, temperatures in Mari Village had dropped below freezing. Despite the cold and limited lighting, armed police officers continued their work, erecting tents for displaced residents.
"We are working efficiently to set up tents as quickly as possible so that the affected people can have a warm place to stay tonight," said Hu Yubin from the Gannan detachment of Gansu Corps of the People's Armed Police Force.
Grateful residents expressed their appreciation to the officers.
"Thank you to the armed police officers for building tents for us. We're really grateful," one villager said.
By 23:50 on Monday, the armed police had assisted local authorities in clearing three collapsed road sections, assessing risks for 34 homes in two villages and erecting 20 tents.
At the epicenter in Waqiong Village, Dianga Town, the earthquake caused wall cracks in multiple houses. More than 50 tents were set up to shelter 195 displaced villagers.
Inside, the tents are equipped with makeshift beds, bedding, and a stove. Emergency supplies such as instant noodles, ham sausages, and bottled water were provided by the government. Local authorities also coordinated with charitable restaurants to provide hot meals, ensuring relocated residents had access to adequate food. Electricity, medical care, and communications remain fully operational at the relocation sites.
Tebo County initiated a level-III emergency response after the earthquake. By 22:00 Monday, over 3,600 personnel, including government officials, police, firefighters, armed police officers, medical staff, had mobilized for a comprehensive search and rescue operation.
All essential living and heating supplies have been secured, and further relief work is underway.
280 people relocated following 5.5-magnitude earthquake in Gansu
