Earthquake hits China's Sichuan

People affected by an earthquake on Wednesday that rattled the city of Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan province, have begun to return to their normal lives after comprehensive rescue efforts. Four people have been confirmed dead and 41 others injured after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Lushan County in Ya'an at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The earthquake was followed by a 4.5-magnitude quake at 5:03 p.m. in Baoxing County, also in Ya'an. As of 9 a.m. Thursday, 34 casualties have been reported in Baoxing County and 11 injuries in Lushan County, the city's earthquake relief headquarters told a press briefing.

Those injured have been sent to hospital for treatment. One is in critical condition, two who were seriously injured are now in stable conditions, and the 38 who suffered minor injuries are in no immediate danger.

A total of 13,081 people in the city have been affected by the earthquake, the relief headquarters said. Three county highways, a section of a national highway, and telecommunication in some parts of the affected areas were cut off. A total of 135 houses were severely damaged.

"I was picking tea leaves on the mountain when I felt the tremor. I would have fallen down if I hadn't grasped the tree," said Yang Jinmei, a resident of Shengli Village, Lushan County. (IANS)

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