Beijing: A 5.9 earthquake hit a mountainous region of southwestern China today, killing at least five people and forcing thousands to relocate.
The quake hit the Yunnan-Sichuan border area in the counties of Shangri-La and Deqen in Yunnan province and Derong County in Sichuan province, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre.
Some 260 aftershocks have been recorded, with the largest measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale, the centre said.
Twenty four people were also injured in the quake. The injured include nine residents from the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, which administers Derong County in Sichuan province.
The quake toppled 600 residential units and damaged 55,500 others, forcing some 9,200 local residents to relocate, according to a statement from the Yunnan Provincial Civil Affairs Department.
Quake and aftershock-triggered landslides near highways have affected traffic, trapping three tourist buses.
Local tourism authorities have shut down some scenic spots in Shangri-La and Deqen to avoid potential risks.
The quake also affected telecommunications and electricity supply in Deqen and Derong counties, complicating rescue efforts.
Local authorities have rushed to carry out rescue and disaster relief work.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs and provincial authorities have sent tents, clothes, blankets, folding beds and mattresses to the disaster-hit areas.
The region was hit by a 5.1 magnitude quake on August 28 affecting more than 52,000 residents in Yunnan.
