As a result of frequent earthquakes , droughts and famines , the economic progress of Gansu was significantly slower than that of other provinces of China until recently . Based on the area 's abundant mineral resources it has begun developing into a vital industrial center . An earthquake in Gansu at 8.6 on the Richter scale killed around 180,000 people mostly in the present-day area of Ningxia in 1920 , and another with a magnitude of 7.6 killed 275 in 1932
earthquake in Gansu
1920 Haiyuan earthquake
Gansu