5.7-magnitude quake hits Northwest China's Xinjiang, no casualties reported

URUMQI -- No casualties have been reported thus far following a 5.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Akqi county in Kirgiz autonomous prefecture of Kizilsu in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region at 6:27 am Tuesday (Beijing Time), local authorities said.

The epicenter, with a depth of 10 km, was monitored at 41.15 degrees north latitude and 78.67 degrees east longitude, according to China Earthquake Networks Center.

No townships are located within a 20-km range of the epicenter. The epicenter is 33 km away from the county seat of Akqi, and 47 km away from the county seat of Wushi. Both counties strongly felt the jolt of the quake.

Local fire department, public security department and emergency rescue department have confirmed that no casualties nor collapsed houses have been reported so far.

The fire department has arranged two vehicles and 10 personnel for rescue operations.