Chinese state media say at least 124 people have been killed and thousands more injured in a powerful earthquake in southwestern Sichuan province.
The 6.6-magnitude quake struck the rural region early on April 20, wrecking buildings, destroying roads, and cutting electricity power lines.
"I could not stand firm. I shook from left to right," a local resident told Reuters. "It lasted for around two minutes. I was then in the washroom. I was shaken several times. It was followed by two aftershocks."
The quake was felt by residents in neighboring provinces and in the provincial capital, Chengdu, causing many people to rush out of buildings.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited the city of Ya’an city in Lushan county, the epicenter of the quake.
Xinhua news agency said 6,000 troops were dispatched to the area to help with rescue efforts.
An 8.0-magnitude quake in Sichuan in May 2008 killed tens of thousands of people.
The 6.6-magnitude quake struck the rural region early on April 20, wrecking buildings, destroying roads, and cutting electricity power lines.
"I could not stand firm. I shook from left to right," a local resident told Reuters. "It lasted for around two minutes. I was then in the washroom. I was shaken several times. It was followed by two aftershocks."
The quake was felt by residents in neighboring provinces and in the provincial capital, Chengdu, causing many people to rush out of buildings.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited the city of Ya’an city in Lushan county, the epicenter of the quake.
Xinhua news agency said 6,000 troops were dispatched to the area to help with rescue efforts.
An 8.0-magnitude quake in Sichuan in May 2008 killed tens of thousands of people.