7.0-magnitude quake jolts China's Sichuan Province

BEIJING: A 7.0-magnitude earthquake tonight rattled Jiuzhaigou County in China's southwestern Sichuan Province, the China Earthquake Networks Center said.
There was no immediate report of any damage or casualties.

Citing a statement issued by the center, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the quake occurred around 9.19 PM (local time) and struck at a depth of 20-km.

Sangey, a staff worker with the popular Jiuzhaigou tourist site, told Xinhua over telephone that some houses in the scenic spot collapsed and authorities are organising young people to help evacuate residents.

Li Changyong, head of the Jiuzhaigou county health and family planning bureau, said the quake was strongly felt in the county seat and many residents rushed outside their buildings.

The quake was also strongly felt in the provincial capital Chengdu, about 300-km south of the epicentre.