An earthquake shook a mountainous area in southwestern China Saturday, killing at least five people and forcing thousands to evacuate.
China's Xinhua news agency reported the 5.9-magnitude quake hit parts of Yunnan province and Sichuan province, and that at least 21 people were injured. The U.S. Geological Survey also said the quake had a 5.9 magnitude.
Xinhua reported the earthquake caused widespread destruction, toppling 600 homes, damaging 55,000 others, and forcing more than 9,000 people to relocate.
The state news agency said telecommunications and electricity were affected in some areas, hindering rescue efforts. Aftershocks have hit the region.
The mountainous areas in southwestern China are prone to earthquakes. Earlier this year, a quake in Sichuan province killed nearly 200 people. Nearly 90,000 people died in a powerful earthquake in Sichuan in 2008.