Double earthquake hits southern China

AP quoted China Earthquake Network Center (CENC) on June 1 as saying that a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck a sparsely populated area of ​​Lushan county, Sichuan province, causing an earthquake. landslides and damage to houses. The epicenter of the earthquake was about 100 kilometers west of Chengdu.

According to CENC, this quake struck at a depth of 17 km at around 5pm on June 1 (local time). Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey said the earthquake was 5.9 magnitude and occurred at a depth of 10 km.

China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that about three minutes later, a second 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck a nearby area and caused casualties. Initial information indicated that four people were killed and 14 were injured.

The double earthquake caused landslides and damaged houses. Photo: Weibo

Local authorities have dispatched thousands of people to participate in search and rescue operations, announced emergency response plans and mobilized the military to assist.

The Sichuan government said several buildings were damaged. Two earthquakes could be felt in cities across Sichuan province. About 70,000 people live in mountainous areas near the epicenter of the earthquakes.

Sichuan province was hit by a devastating magnitude 8 earthquake in 2008, killing at least 80,000 people.