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Another earthquake.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57580556/quake-in-china-may-have-killed-scores/
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57580556/quake-in-china-may-have-killed-scores/
A state-run China News Service, quoting unnamed local media, said more than 100 people may have been killed or hurt in the earthquake.
The seismological bureau initially measured the quake at magnitude-7, while the U.S. Geological Survey recorded it at 6.6-magnitude, powerful enough to cause severe damage. Its depth was shallow, less than 13 kilometers or 8 miles, which could magnify the impact.
USGS said:Tectonic Summary
The April 20, 2013 UTC Mw6.6 earthquake in the Sichuan province of China occurred as the result of east-west oriented reverse-type motion on a north-south striking fault. A preliminary source location suggest the event likely occurred on the Longmenshan fault or a tectonically related fault at a depth of 12km. The Longmenshan fault was the source fault of the May 12, 2008 Mw7.9 Sichuan earthquake. The preliminary April 20 event location is approximately 85km from the hypocentral location of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The April 20 earthquake reflects tectonic stresses resulting from the convergence of crustal material slowly moving from the high Tibetan Plateau, to the west, against strong crust underlying the Sichuan Basin and southeastern China.
On a continental scale, the seismicity of central and eastern Asia is a result of northward convergence of the India plate against the Eurasia plate with a velocity of about 50 mm/y. The convergence of the two plates is broadly accommodated by the uplift of the Asian highlands and by the motion of crustal material to the east away from the uplifted Tibetan Plateau.
Four events of Mw6.0 or greater have occurred within 200km of the April 19 event in the past 40 years, including the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake and a subsequent aftershock. The northwestern margin of the Sichuan Basin has previously experienced destructive earthquakes. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake of August 25, 1933, killed more than 9,300 people, while the May 12, 2008 killed 69,197.
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The earthquake in China was likely caused by tectonic plates shifting and releasing energy, resulting in seismic activity.
The strength of an earthquake is typically measured on the Richter scale, and the China earthquake was reported to be a 6.0 magnitude.
As of the latest reports, the earthquake in China is estimated to have killed scores of people, with the death toll continuing to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
It is common for earthquakes to be followed by smaller aftershocks, and there is a possibility of this happening in the affected areas in China. It is important for residents to stay alert and follow safety protocols.
There are various organizations and charities accepting donations and providing aid to those affected by the earthquake in China. Donations of money, supplies, and volunteer efforts can all make a positive impact in helping the affected communities recover and rebuild.