SW China quake affects 80,600 people, damages 678 homes

[tabatha]

More angry earth happenings.

KUNMING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The earthquake that jolted southwest China's Yunnan Province Tuesday has affected 80,600 people and damaged 678 homes, local authorities said Wednesday.

A 4.8-magnitude quake hit Yingjiang County of Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Dehong at 3:11 p.m. Beijing Time Tuesday. The epicenter was about 10 km deep.

The quake had forced the emergency evacuation of 64,500 people by Tuesday night, the county government said in a statement.

The quake also had brought down one home, seriously damaged 229 homes and slightly damaged further 448, it said.

Local authorities have sent relief teams and materials to ensure a merry and safe Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, in the quake-hit region. The Spring Festival falls on Feb. 3 this year.

The county government has sent out 300 tents, 200 cotton-padded quilts and 200 coats, and 10 tonnes of rice.


http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-02/02/c_13717029.htm