Yunnan earthquakes kill 3, injure 27

KUNMING - At least 3 people were killed and 27 others injured as of 6 am Saturday after a series of earthquakes jolted Yangbi Yi autonomous county in Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Yunnan province, local authorities said.

The quake was felt in all 12 counties and cities of the prefecture, with Yangbi being the worst hit, Yang Guozong, Party chief of the prefecture said.

Two deaths were reported in Yangbi county and one in Yongping County. Three people were severely injured and 24 others had minor injuries.

About 72,317 residents in 20,192 households were affected by the quakes.

Four earthquakes over 5.0-magnitude jolted Yangbi from 9 pm to 11 pm (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.

The region has recorded 166 aftershocks as of 2 am.

Rescue forces have been dispatched to the quake zone, and rescue efforts are underway.

- China's Red Cross sends aid to quake-stricken SW China

Relief materials have been sent to Southwest China's Yunnan province after a series of earthquakes on Friday night, the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) said Saturday.

The relief materials from the RCSC and its Yunnan branch include 300 tents, 1,100 daily necessity kits and 1,000 coats, according to the RCSC.

- Nearly 86,000 moved to safety after quakes hit Yunnan

By Saturday morning, a total of 85,802 people have been evacuated to safety in Yangbi county, the epicenter of a series of strong earthquakes in Southwest China's Yunnan province on Friday, according to local authorities. The local government has already set up 380 designated temporary shelters. (Read more)