At least 22 people were killed and hundreds injured today when a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck southwest China's Yunnan province near the border with Myanmar, according to news reports.
The earthquake destroyed at least 580 houses and damaged countless others at Yingjiang.
The earthquake is the largest of more than 1,200 minor tremors over the last two months in the region, seismologists told reporters. It was followed by three aftershocks, measuring up to 4.7 magnitude within 10 minutes of the first tremor.
Eight earthquakes registering higher than 5 magnitude struck the area between 1991 and 2008, according to China's Earthquake Administration.
This quake and the recent one in New Zealand remind us that these events happen without warning. If you live or work in an earthquake-prone area, take steps now to secure your property against damage. They are things you can do to reduce the risk of severe damage and injury. Find out more at www.DisasterSafety.org/earthquake. Download a free copy of the new IBHS Guide Earthquake Risks around the U.S. - How to Protect Your Property.
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