Life in China's earthquake-hit areas gradually returning to normal

ANKARA

Life in China's earthquake-ravaged areas is gradually returning to normal, with authorities deciding to reopen schools next week, while the death toll has risen to 148, local media said on Saturday.

Local primary, secondary, and high schools will resume classes on Monday, the state-run CGTN broadcaster reported, adding that delivery services in the affected areas have also been restored.

According to the Shanghai Daily, the death toll from Monday's 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Gansu and Qinghai provinces has risen to 148.

So far, 117 deaths have been reported in north-central Gansu Province, with another 31 in northwestern Qinghai province, and a total of 781 injured, the daily added.

According to CGTN, the first batch of 500 makeshift houses has been completed and handed over to residents of Meipo Village in Jishishan County in Gansu Province.

Construction of moveable houses is also underway in Jishishan County, with 5,000 houses expected to be completed by Dec. 27, according to the broadcaster.

Authorities have moved thousands of people to safer places, mostly in Gansu, as winter temperatures plummeted.

Temporary shelters and tents have been set up for affected people in Zhongchuan township, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the earthquake's epicenter.

The region's water and electricity supplies have been mostly restored following China's deadliest earthquake since 2014.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid