China activated a national Level-IV earthquake disaster emergency response and dispatched work teams to guide relief efforts after a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Diebu county in Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province, according to the office of the State Council earthquake relief headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The China Earthquake Networks Center said the quake occurred at 14:56 on Jan 26, with the epicenter at 34.06 degrees north latitude and 103.25 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 10 kilometers.

Wang Xiangxi, China's minister of emergency management and deputy commander of the State Council earthquake relief headquarters, ordered rapid verification of the situation and assessment of potential damage, calling for thorough inspections and preparedness for rescue operations.