Video: Section of the Great Wall of China Collapses Due to Earthquake

A 2-meter section of the Great Wall of China has collapsed due to a 6.9 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the TASS agency.

On January 8, a strong earthquake struck one of the regions in Qinghai province, prompting authorities to conduct inspections of cultural heritage sites affected by the seismic activity. Specialists documented the collapse of the wall in the neighboring Gansu province. The collapse occurred 114 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake.

The collapsed section of the wall was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Protective equipment has been deployed at that section of the wall for restoration efforts, which have already begun.

The Great Wall of China is a complex of various defensive structures stretching across northern China and southern Mongolia, initially created in ancient times to protect against nomadic tribes. It is believed that the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang (259 - 210 BC), unified these structures into one complex. The longest and best-preserved parts were constructed during the Ming Dynasty. The wall extends approximately 850 kilometers from Liaoning province to Gansu.