6.4 magnitude earthquake hits China’s Xinjiang, three confirmed dead

At least three people died and more than 20 were injured when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit a rural part of China’s far western Xinjiang region on Friday, Chinese officials said. Many traditional houses in the mainly ethnic Uighur region collapsed when the shallow quake struck about 160 km (100 miles) north-west of the southern city of Hotan in the early morning, according to emergency officials. The quake was initially reported at magnitudes up to 6.5. Several aftershocks were reported, the strongest measuring magnitude 4.8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Currently, the earthquake has resulted in three deaths, including a father and son, and more than 20 injuries.

China National Emergency Broadcasting (CNEB) said on its website.

Social media users in the region expressed shock at the intensity of the quake, although authorities said they were optimistic the death toll would not be high. Pictures on social media and state television showed cracks on the walls of buildings and other minor damage. Earthquakes frequently strike China. A quake in the south-western province of Sichuan in 2008 killed almost 70,000 people.