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Version 0 Version 1
Strong quake hits western China Strong quake hits western China
(about 2 hours later)
A 7.2-magnitude earthquake has struck in Xinjiang province in the northwest of China. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake has struck in Xinjiang province in north-west China.
The quake occurred at 0633 local time on Friday (2233GMT on Thursday), according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 0633 local time on Friday (2233 GMT on Thursday), according to the US Geological Survey.
The epicentre was about 140 miles (225km) southeast of Hotan city, near Yutian county, the US agency said. The epicentre was about 140 miles (225km) south-east of Hotan city, near Yutian county, the US agency said.
Early Chinese reports of the incident had no details of casualties or damage. Xinjiang is sparsely populated, with a mainly Muslim population.Early Chinese reports of the incident had no details of casualties or damage. Xinjiang is sparsely populated, with a mainly Muslim population.
The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at a depth of 22.9km (14.2 miles) and reported two aftershocks - the first with a magnitude of 5.3 and the second of 5.5.The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at a depth of 22.9km (14.2 miles) and reported two aftershocks - the first with a magnitude of 5.3 and the second of 5.5.
In 2003 a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in western Xinjiang killed more than 260 people and destroyed 10,000 homes.In 2003 a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in western Xinjiang killed more than 260 people and destroyed 10,000 homes.


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