CHINA: Five dead as quake hits Sichuan province

At least five people have been reportedly killed, and dozens have been injured after a strong earthquake struck China’s southwestern region, officials said. China’s National Commission for Disaster Reduction reported that the 6.5 quake hit Sichuan province, and it warned that the death toll could be higher.  More than 130,000 houses may be damaged, it […]

At least five people have been reportedly killed, and dozens have been injured after a strong earthquake struck China’s southwestern region, officials said. China’s National Commission for Disaster Reduction reported that the 6.5 quake hit Sichuan province, and it warned that the death toll could be higher. 

More than 130,000 houses may be damaged, it said in a statement posted on its website, based on a preliminary analysis of the disaster. The Sichuan earthquake agency said the epicentre of the tremor was in Ngawa prefecture, largely populated by ethnic Tibetans, many of whom are nomadic herders.