New Delhi: A strong earthquake of 7.1 magnitude struck the southern Xinjiang region of China early Tuesday, with tremors being felt in some parts of the national capital region.
The quake rocked Uchturpan county in Aksu prefecture shortly after 2 a.m., the China Earthquake Networks Center said. Around 200 rescuers were dispatched to the epicentre.
As many as six people sustained injuries and more than 120 homes have been damaged in cold weather. Of the six people hurt, two had serious injuries and four were minor. In addition, 47 houses collapsed, 78 houses were damaged and some agricultural structures collapsed.
The US Geological Survey said the quake measured 7.0 magnitude and occurred in the seismically active Tian Shan mountain range.
It said the area’s largest quake in the past century was 7.1 magnitude and occurred in 1978 about 200 kilometres (124 miles) to the north of one early Tuesday. State broadcaster CCTV said 14 aftershocks have been measured, two of them above 5 magnitude.
