China quake forces evacuation of 65,000 people

A small earthquake in southwestern China has forced the evacuation of 64,500 people after damaging hundreds of homes, state media said on Wednesday.

The 4.8 magnitude tremor struck the Dehong region of Yunnan province on Tuesday afternoon, bringing down one house and seriously damaging 229. More than 400 homes were slightly damaged, state news agency Xinhua said.

There were no reports of any deaths. China is frequently struck by earthquakes. 

Nearly 3,000 people died or were reported missing after a strong quake in China's northwest last year, and in 2008 a devastating earthquake in Sichuan province claimed at least 80,000 lives. 

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