Central China Jolted by 4.7-Magnitude Earthquake
The earthquake's epicenter was located in Hefei, the provincial capital of Anhui
No casualties or major damage reported as of yet
A 4.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Hefei, the capital of east China's Anhui Province, at around 2:35 p.m. local time on Sunday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The earthquake's epicenter was approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) west-northwest of Feidong County, Hefei, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). It was the strongest earthquake to hit the region in recent years.
There have been no reports of casualties or major damage to buildings or infrastructure. However, the earthquake was widely felt in Hefei and surrounding areas, causing people to evacuate buildings and seek shelter outdoors.
Emergency services have been dispatched to the affected areas to assess any damage and provide assistance as needed. So far, there have been no reports of any serious injuries or significant structural damage.
The CENC has issued a yellow alert for the region, the second-lowest level in China's four-tier earthquake warning system. The alert advises the public to be aware of potential aftershocks and to take appropriate precautions.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation and have urged residents to remain calm and follow the instructions of emergency personnel. They are also conducting safety inspections of buildings and infrastructure.
Earthquakes are relatively common in China, especially in the western and southwestern regions of the country. However, earthquakes of this magnitude in eastern China are less common.
Seismologists are still studying the data from the earthquake to determine its exact cause and potential impact on the surrounding area.
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