Powerful earthquake kills at least 13 people in China
Thursday, 10/08/2017 18:54 (GMT+7)
At least 13 people were killed and 175 more injured after a powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck a popular tourist area in southwest China, according to state media.
The quake struck Jiuzhaigou county in China's southwestern Sichuan province late on August 8th.
More than 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 the province.
The quake hit a sparsely populated area 200km northwest of the city of Guangyuan at a depth of 10km, the US Geological Survey said. It was also close to the Jiuzhaigou nature reserve, a tourist destination.
Jiuzhaigou is a popular scenic area in China noted for its natural beauty. In the summer, tourists from around the country flock to the area to take in its lush forests and colourful waterfalls. On August 8th, the scenic area welcomed more than 38,000 visitors.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a rapid response to the area in the Sichuan province./.
Compiled by BTA
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