'6.0 magnitude quake hits China's Sichuan province'

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit southwest China's Sichuan province, close to the area that was devastated by a quake earlier this year.

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit southwest China's Sichuan province on Tuesday, close to the area that was devastated by a quake earlier this year, the US Geological Society said.

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The quake hit 48 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Guangyuan city at a depth of 10 kilometres at 5:49 pm (0949 GMT), according to a statement on the USGS website.

The quake was felt as far away as Xi'an city in north China's Shaanxi province, a tourist in the area told AFP by phone. Xinhua news agency said the quake was felt in the Sichuan capital Chengdu.

There was no immediate reports of casualties. About 70,000 people were confirmed killed in the 8.0-magnitude quake that hit the province in May.