China earthquake: 100 feared dead, thousands injured in Sichuan province

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake rattled southwest China on Tuesday, killing at least five people, with 100 feared dead, according to a government estimate.

Five people died and more than 60 were injured in the quake, the official Xinhua news agency said, including 30 who were in critical condition.

Over 130,000 houses may be damaged, it added in a statement posted on its website, based on a preliminary analysis of the disaster in a remote region of Sichuan province.

Citing a statement issued by the center, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the quake occurred around 9.19 PM (local time) and struck at a depth of 20-km.

Sangey, a staff worker with the popular Jiuzhaigou tourist site, told Xinhua over telephone that some houses in the scenic spot collapsed and authorities are organising young people to help evacuate residents. Li Changyong, head of the Jiuzhaigou county health and family planning bureau, said the quake was strongly felt in the county seat and many residents rushed outside their buildings. The quake was also strongly felt in the provincial capital Chengdu, about 300-km south of the epicentre.

According to the Chinese center, the epicenter was approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) from Jiuzhaigou which is located 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level, while it was 285 kilometers (177 miles) from Chengdu which is a densely populated region, AP reported.

The news website of Sichuan provincial government reported a suspension of train services to Chengdu and other cities post earthquake. There were also reports of disruption in the telephone communications.

PTI