"Earthquake Occurs, But Don't Evacuate?"... Controversy Over COVID-19 Lockdown in Chengdu, China

"Strong lockdown despite low case numbers... Resistance online and offline"
Guardian "Lockdown measures in 33 cities due to COVID-19"

On the 5th, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Luding County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China, where rescue workers are carrying survivors on stretchers for transport. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Amid the human casualties caused by the earthquake that struck Sichuan Province in China, killing at least 65 people, controversy has arisen as Chinese authorities maintain COVID-19 lockdown measures in the affected area. In Chengdu, the provincial capital with a population of 21 million, residents are unable to leave their apartments due to these lockdown measures.

According to AP News and The Guardian on the 6th (local time), videos are circulating on Chinese social networking services (SNS) showing personnel in protective suits blocking Chengdu residents attempting to escape through the locked apartment lobby entrances.

On the previous day, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake occurred in Luding County, Garz? Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, located 220 km southwest of Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Afterward, 13 aftershocks continued until the 7th, causing residents to live in fear. It is reported that the affected area suffered significant damage, including road and communication disruptions and building collapses.

Meanwhile, Chengdu announced an extension of the COVID-19 lockdown measures until the 7th, prohibiting all residents from going outside. Authorities had initially announced on the 1st that outings would be banned until the night of the 4th, with public transportation and school operations suspended. The Guardian reported, "Currently, 65 million Chinese people in 33 cities, including 7 provincial capitals, are under lockdown measures," adding, "103 cities have reported COVID-19 outbreaks, the highest number since the early stages of the pandemic in early 2020."

Criticism has poured in over the fact that Chengdu residents remain trapped inside buildings despite the severe human casualties caused by the powerful earthquake. Bloomberg referenced the lockdown measures in Shanghai during April and May, stating, "It raises fears that the harsh lockdown measures experienced in Shanghai will be repeated." AP News also reported, "Although Chengdu has a low number of confirmed cases, it has implemented the strictest lockdown measures since the Shanghai lockdown," and noted that resistance is occurring both online and offline.

As the controversy grew, Chengdu announced emergency response guidelines on the night of the 5th in case of urgent situations. Authorities stated, "During epidemic control, when earthquakes, fires, floods, and other disasters occur, ensuring the life and safety of the people must be the top priority," but also emphasized, "COVID-19 control should not be completely abandoned." They added, "If circumstances permit, individuals should protect themselves from COVID-19 and evacuate safely, minimizing physical contact when gathering."