5.6 magnitude aftershock hits Mianzhu

A major aftershock from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake has hit Mianzhu city in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The 5.6 earthquake cut off a road, and brought down several houses in the region. Four local residents were injured, and no deaths have been reported.

The quake is the strongest aftershock since the May 12th quake last year.

Local authorities said the first aftershock has toppled three houses in an area of Mianzhu. And, it has caused minor damage to more than eight thousand homes in the city.

Roads connecting two towns in Mianzhu have been cut off, and telecommunications in the city are temporarily down.

Local authorities have activated an emergency plan to begin relief and rescue work. And, a special working group has been sent to the epicenter to inspect the damage.

Mianzhu was one of the areas hardest hit by the 8-magnitude quake last year. Experts have warned of the possibility of more aftershocks in the future.

Editor: Huan CAO | Source: CCTV.com