Many were affected by the quake, and many were to grieve for the deaths of as many as 88,000+ lives.
Throughout the six provinces, an estimation of at least 5.36 million buildings collapsed under the pressure of the earthquake. While 20-21 million were suitable and later set.for repair
The earthquake lasted only around 120 seconds/2 minutes, yet in that time, buildings collapsed and buried those who passed by or were inside. Leaving loved ones worried sick while they lay trapped for days on end.
Waiting in time under the debris could have taken from two days, or seven. Means of contact were close to nothing, while the waiting time for being freed could have taken from hours to days. As rubble could have easily slipped without proper support.
A country level city called Shifang later had 2 of their chemical power plants damaged, which unfortunately leaked out liquified 80 tons of ammonia, as well as sulphuric acid.