CHINA–(ENEWSPF)–April 14, 2010. The U.S. Geological Survey has reported that a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck at 7:49 a.m. local time (7:49 p.m. ET Tuesday) in the Southern Qinghai region of China. Several strong aftershocks, one of which was reported as a 5.8 magnitude, stuck within hours of the initial quake.
The Xinhua News Agency has reported that the death toll is nearly 400 with thousands of people sustaining injuries. Many others, including primary school children, remain buried under debris.
The epicenter of the quake was located in remote and rugged terrain, about 150 miles northwest of Qamdo, Tibet. Qinghai borders the regions of Tibet and Xinjiang and the provinces of Gansu and Sichuan.
It has been reported that 85 percent of the houses in the county seat of Jiegu had collapsed.
Xinhua News Agency is reporting panic on the streets as crews continue their rescue efforts in the rubble of the collapsed buildings.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, CNN news
