Earthquake Hits Southwest China, 16 Dead

A 5.4 magnitude earthquake jolted southwest China Thursday shortly before 1 p.m. local time, killing more than a dozen people. The epicenter was located at a depth of 6.6 miles deep in Yunnan province in the town of Shiming. Nearby areas including Longchuan, Lianghe and Tengchong reported feeling the tremor as well as the 3 aftershocks that followed within 10 minutes.

Government officials report the death toll has risen to 16 from the initial report of 14. More than 160 people were injured. Major damages, including toppled buildings and power outages, were also reported. Rescue teams are still search through rubble for those that are trapped.

The quake comes a day after a 7.2 magnitude tremor hit off the coast of Japan and triggered a small tsunami at Ofunato port on the main island of Honshu. There were no reports of damages, injuries or deaths.

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