Earthquake kills over 45 in China

An earthquake in south-west China’s Sichuan province has led to the death of over 45 people in the country.

More than 50 people were said to be injured while 16 were missing on Tuesday.

The Luding area some 200 kilometres of the provincial capital Chengdu was the hardest hit in the Monday 6.8-magnitude quake.

According to dpa, the earthquake destroyed homes and caused landslides.

Many streets were still blocked off on Tuesday, just as electricity, water supply, and communications were disrupted.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is under way with thousands helping with recovery efforts, while the authorities also mobilised the military to assist.

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There were several aftershocks, with the strongest measured at a magnitude of 4.2.

Communication with the outside world was also said to have been disrupted for about 35,000 households.

More than 40,000 people lost their electricity supply.

Recovery workers were supported by helicopters and drones searching from the air.

Heavy equipment was also being used to clear affected areas.

China’s Finance Ministry and the Sichuan government have each provided 50 million Yuan (around 7.2 million dollars) in financial aid, according to tate media.

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