Residential houses were severely damaged, especially rural homes with little earthquake resistance. The low temperatures forced many residents to gather wood and light fires for warmth, he said.

Liu said an early challenge for the rescuers was providing enough food, drinking water, shelter and heating devices for the survivors. However, through coordination with government departments at all levels, these challenges were gradually addressed. Food supplies, heating and other necessities have been steadily distributed to the affected areas.

On Wednesday, the rescue teams started to focus on search and rescue work and erecting temporary tents. Under the disaster management plan, Liu's team was assigned to survey all villages in a designated area and rescue any individuals trapped under rubble.

The Gansu Provincial Emergency Management Department said on Wednesday the rescue work is almost over. The focus of on-site personnel will shift to treating the injured and resettling affected residents, while ensuring the safety of people's lives and property.

Medical rescue teams from provinces, prefectures and counties sent 19 teams comprising 667 people and 99 ambulances to assess and classify the injured and transfer them to hospitals.

Severely affected residents have been relocated to safer areas. Governments at all levels have allocated a huge amount of emergency relief materials, including tents, quilts, lights, folding beds and waterproof mats. Food and daily necessities are also being distributed to the affected areas to ensure people have clothing, food and shelter.

All highways, national and provincial main roads, and rural roads have been restored and are open to traffic.

Power has been fully restored to all earthquake-affected areas.