China earthquake: A 6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Sichuan Province, southwest China

CNN
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At least 46 people were killed after the earthquake rocked southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Monday, according to an update from China’s CCTV broadcaster on Monday.

A 6.6-magnitude earthquake was reported at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that it was close to 1 p.m. local time on Monday.

The epicenter was about 43 kilometers (27 miles) southeast of Kangding, a city of about 100,000 people, according to the US Geological Survey. It added that it is estimated that more than a million residents in the surrounding areas experienced moderate tremors in the aftermath of the quake.

At least 50 people were also injured and 16 others are still missing, according to CCTV.

China has activated a level 3 emergency response and sent rescue workers to Luoding County, near the epicenter, according to China’s State Council. China’s CGTN broadcaster said rescue workers were helping to clear roads blocked by landslides caused by the quake.

Sichuan Province, with a population of 84 million, was already facing a very difficult summer before the strong earthquake. In the past two months, the province has suffered drought and his The worst heatwave in 60 years.

The landlocked region is prone to earthquakes due to the Langmenshan Fault, which runs through the Sichuan Mountains.

a A 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit Sichuan Province in 2008 It was one of the most devastated areas of the country. Nearly 90,000 people were killed and earthquakes were felt in cities more than 1,450 kilometers (900 miles) away.

last yeara 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan, killing three people and injuring 60 others, according to state media at the time.