China

Rescue services were battling the cold on Tuesday after an earthquake took place shortly before midnight on Monday local time in the mountainous Chinese province of Gansu. The death toll has risen to 118 and hundreds have been injured, according to Chinese state media. Usually, the first 72 hours after an earthquake are when survivors are most likely to be found. But that time will be shorter due to the very cold weather. The temperature in Linxia in Gansu – which is close to where the earthquake hit – was around 14 degrees on Tuesday morning. At least 4,000 firefighters, soldiers and police officers are taking part in the rescue effort, according to AP. /ritzau/