Relief efforts underway following 5.0 earthquake in Sichuan province

A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Gaoxian county in Yibin, Sichuan province, at 6:12 am on Wednesday, at a depth of 8 kilometers, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.

Multiple aftershocks ranging from a magnitude of 3.0 to 4.0 occurred within 10 minutes of the initial quake, official data showed.

The China Earthquake Administration activated a Level-III emergency response immediately after the quake, while the Gaoxian earthquake relief headquarters activated a Level-II emergency response.

China has a four-tiered emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response.

The Sichuan Earthquake Administration has sent a work team to the quake-stricken areas to support local authorities in emergency relief operations.

Local authorities have launched damage assessments and relief efforts, with no casualties reported so far, according to the headquarters.

Relief work is underway and social order in the affected area remains stable, it added.