UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL, OTHER DETAILS, EDITS THROUGHOUT
By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) - At least seven people were killed when a powerful earthquake jolted southwest China on Monday afternoon.
Chinese public broadcaster CGTN reported that seven people were killed after a magnitude-6.8 earthquake hit Sichuan province.
According to China Earthquake Networks Center, the earthquake hit near Luding county of the province at a depth of 16 kilometers (10 miles).
The center reported the earthquake at around 12:52 p.m. local time (04:52GMT).
The nearby areas of Luding county, including Chengdu city, felt strong aftershocks.
Videos on social media uploaded after the earthquake showed rubble and debris blocking traffic on roads.
“Some people are trapped under collapsed houses,” the report added.
The Chinese government issued a level-III national emergency response while massive rescue and relief operations are underway.