Quake affects 80,600 people in China

Beijing: A moderate intensity earthquake in China's Yunnan Province has left a trail of destruction,affecting over 80,600 people and damaging 678 homes, even though no loss of life was reported.A 4.8-magnitude quake hit Yingjiang County of Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Dehong yesterday with its epicenter traced to about 10 km deep.The quake forced emergency evacuation of 64,500 people by last night. It brought down one house, seriously damaged 229 houses and partially damaged another 448 houses, official Xinhua news-agency reported.Local authorities have sent relief teams and materials in the quake-hit region to ensure a merry and safe Spring Festival, Chinese Lunar New Year, to be celebrated tomorrow. The county government has dispatched 300 tents, 200 cotton-padded quilts, 200 coats and 10 tonnes of rice to theaffected areas.