Society

SW China quake affects 80,600 people

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-02 10:30
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KUNMING - The earthquake that jolted southwest China's Yunnan Province Tuesday has affected 80,600 people and damaged 678 homes, local authorities said Wednesday.

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A 4.8-magnitude quake hit Yingjiang County of Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Dehong at 3:11 pm Beijing Time Tuesday. The epicenter was about 10 km deep.

The quake had forced the emergency evacuation of 64,500 people by Tuesday night, the county government said in a statement.

The quake also had brought down one home, seriously damaged 229 homes and slightly damaged further 448, it said.

Local authorities have sent relief teams and materials to ensure a merry and safe Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, in the quake-hit region. The Spring Festival falls on February 3 this year.

The county government has sent out 300 tents, 200 cotton-padded quilts and 200 coats, and 10 tonnes of rice.