A 6.6-magnitude earthquake was reported at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that it was close to 1 p.m. local time on Monday.
The epicenter was about 43 kilometers (27 miles) southeast of Kangding, a city of about 100,000 people, according to the US Geological Survey.
At least 50 people were also injured and 16 others are still missing, according to CCTV.
It added that it is estimated that more than a million residents in the surrounding areas experienced moderate tremors in the aftermath of the quake.
China has activated a level 3 emergency response and sent rescue workers to Luoding County, near the epicenter, according to China’s State Council. China’s CGTN broadcaster said rescue workers were helping to clear roads blocked by landslides caused by the quake.
The landlocked region is prone to earthquakes due to the Langmenshan Fault, which runs through the Sichuan Mountains.