China: Earthquakes - Apr 1997

On 11 April, following two earthquakes of considerable magnitude, a strong earthquake of 6.6 degree on Richter scale occurred in the Jiashi County of Xingjiang Autonomous Region. Five counties and two cities were affected, namely: Kashi City, Atushi City, Jiashi County, Yuepuhu County, Bachu County, Shule County and Yingjisha County in the Prefectures of Kashi and Kezilesukerkezi. As of 12 April, nine lives were lost, 89 people were wounded, of whom 28 seriously, more than 100,000 rooms either collapsed or damaged, 28,000 huts for animals collapsed, and 11,000 animals were killed. Jiashi County is the hardest hit, where all the 13 townships were affected, eight people lost lives and 62 were wounded. (UN DHA, 16 Apr 1997)