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21 injured, over 20,000 relocated after earthquake in southwest of China

BEIJING, April 05. /ITAR-TASS/. At least 21 people were injured and more than 20,000 people temporarily relocated from damaged houses as a result of a 5.3-point earthquake in the south-western Chinese province of Yunnan on Saturday, April 5.

Reports from the Yongshan County are describing destroyed houses, large gaps on the roads and landslides. Rescuers and inspection groups have been sent to the region.

According to preliminary estimates, some 2,700 buildings have been damaged and 75 of them destroyed. Transport services and electricity supplies have been restored. Relief supplies have been sent to the affected region.

The earthquake registered by Chinese seismologists at 06:40 Beijing time was centred at a depth of 13 kilometres near the town of Xiluodu. China’s second largest hydropower plant is located 15 km from the epicentre. The authorities say the station continues to operate as usual.

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