‘Very strong’ 7.1 magnitude quake in western China kills 3 as officials cite sparse population there

By KEN MORITSUGU and HAN NG GUAN
Associated Press

UCHTURPAN, China (AP) — Officials say a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in a remote part of China’s western Xinjiang region has killed at least three people and caused extensive damage in freezing weather. The officials suggest that the area’s sparse population contributed to the “very strong” quake’s low death toll. Five people were injured, two of them seriously, and thousands of people fled their homes. At least 47 houses collapsed. Authorities say power and train service have been restored. Tremors also were felt in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.