WeatherFanatics: Hundreds Dead After Strong Earthquake in Southwest China

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Hundreds Dead After Strong Earthquake in Southwest China

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

August 3,2014; 9:14PM,EDT

At least 381 are dead after a strong earthquake struck southwestern China on Sunday. The weather threatens to interfere with rescue and recovery efforts.
The 6.1-magnitude earthquake occurred in China's Yunnan Province at 4:30 p.m. local time Sunday (4:30 a.m. EDT), according to the United States Geological Survey.
More precisely, the epicenter was registered seven miles west-northwest of Wenping, China, or 454 miles north-northwest of Ha Noi, Vietnam.
The China Earthquake Networks Center lists the magnitude of the earthquake at 6.5.

Prior to the latest update, China's official Xinhua News Agency reported that at least 175 people had been killed. The deaths occurred in Ludian County, Qiaojia County of Zhaotong and nearby Huize County of Qujing City.
A total of 181 people are also missing, while more than 1,800 people have sustained injuries.
The earthquake reportedly toppled more than 12,000 homes and damaged 30,000 others.
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An aftershock with a magnitude of 4.5 has since followed.
Daily showers and thunderstorms with localized downpours will continue to hamper rescue and recovery efforts through the new week.

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