Strong earthquake hits southwest China, knocking out some communication lines

BEIJING – A strong earthquake has rattled southwest China, knocking out some communication lines. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude-6.1 quake hit Yunnan province at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). The China Earthquake Networks Center said the magnitude was 6.5.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the quake knocked out communication lines in some areas.

In September 2012, 81 people died and more than 821 were injured in a series of quakes in the Yunnan region.