Sunday, May 25, 2008

Strong aftershock jolts quake-hit China

Strong aftershock jolts quake-hit China

50 minutes ago

A strong aftershock jolted quake-hit Sichuan province in China on Sunday, causing residents of the provincial capital Chengdu to run into the streets, an AFP journalist witnessed.

The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the quake at 5.8, saying it struck at 4:21 pm (0821 GMT).

China's state-run Xinhua news agency put the magnitude at 6.4, citing the Sichuan Earthquake Bureau.

The quake was centred in Qingchuan county, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of Chengdu.

There were no immediate reports in China's state media of damage or casualties.

Chengdu residents began filtering back inside soon after the quake, with many taking it in stride.

"I am not afraid. We are getting used to it," a young woman, walking down a Chengdu street with two girlfriends, told AFP.

The aftershock was one of dozens to shake the region after an 8.0-magnitude quake struck north of Chengdu on May 12, causing wide devastation.

The May 12 quake has killed at least 62,664 people and left 23,775 missing, the government said on Sunday.

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