Strong earthquake jolts south-central China; at least 3 dead

Sept. 16 (UPI) -- A powerful earthquake struck Thursday in China's Sichuan province, killing at least three people and injuring nearly 100, authorities said.

The 5.4-magnitude quake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, hit 30 miles southwest of the Yongchuan district in south-central China. Chinese scientists said the quake had a magnitude of 6.0.

Luzhou City issued an emergency for the area and 3,000 people were called upon for rescue efforts. Fuji Township was evacuated temporarily after the earthquake.

Authorities said the quake damaged several telecommunication base stations and cables and disrupted a high-speed rail station. Coal mines also shut down underground work.

Deputy head of the Sichuan earthquake administration Zhang Zhiwei said the quake occurred in the fracture zone of Huaying Mountain.

Beijing's state-run Global Times reported that 1,200 houses collapsed in Luxian County and 3,200 were severely damaged. The Times report said more than 70,000 people were relocated.

Officials said more than 200 tons of the liquor baijiu, which is flammable and explosive, leaked from ceramic cylinders at a local distillery.