Chinese officials say two shallow earthquakes in rural northwest China have killed at least 47 people and injured nearly 300 others.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the first quake, with a magnitude of 5.9, hit at 7:45 a.m. - 23:45 UTC - near the city of Dingxi in Gansu province. It struck at a depth of 20 kilometers.
A second 5.6 magnitude quake hit the same region an hour and a half later at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
Shallow earthquakes cause more damage, but the area is not heavily populated. Still, officials say many buildings have collapsed and power has been cut.
Troops have been sent to the region where officials say a search for more victims in several villages there is ongoing.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the first quake, with a magnitude of 5.9, hit at 7:45 a.m. - 23:45 UTC - near the city of Dingxi in Gansu province. It struck at a depth of 20 kilometers.
A second 5.6 magnitude quake hit the same region an hour and a half later at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
Shallow earthquakes cause more damage, but the area is not heavily populated. Still, officials say many buildings have collapsed and power has been cut.
Troops have been sent to the region where officials say a search for more victims in several villages there is ongoing.