Seven injured as 5.6-magnitude earthquake rattles Gansu province, China
Shallow quake in Longxi county leaves eight houses destroyed and more than 100 damaged, officials say.
BEIJING — A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck northwest China's Gansu province early Saturday, scattering roof tiles and knocking over houses in Longxi county. The tremor hit at 5:49 a.m. local time at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), the Chinese government earthquake center said. The epicenter was about 140 kilometers (87 miles) southeast of Lanzhou, the provincial capital.
Seven people were reported injured, none seriously, according to state media. The injuries were described as not life-threatening by Xinhua News Agency.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that eight houses were destroyed and more than 100 were damaged. Videos posted online by state media showed emergency workers using shovels to clear bricks and other rubble.
Investigators from the government earthquake center characterized the event as a shallow, near-surface quake, which can increase surface damage in populated areas. There was no immediate word on additional casualties or on broader disruption to infrastructure.
The episode adds to a pattern of seismic activity in western China, where quakes of varying magnitudes periodically cause localized damage. Authorities in Gansu said they would continue to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts as needed.