Topic: Sichuan

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck China's Sichuan province, killing dozens and destroying buildings while 21 million residents in Chengdu remained under strict COVID-19 lockdown. Social media videos showed residents frustrated by the conflicting orders to stay indoors for COVID while needing to flee outdoors for earthquake safety. The region has also been suffering from record heatwaves and drought.

The power crisis in Sichuan, which relies heavily on hydroelectric power, has forced major manufacturers like Foxconn and Intel to suspend operations. This shutdown is expected to exacerbate the global semiconductor shortage and further strain China's economy, which is already struggling with high youth unemployment and a housing market decline.