A 6.6 magnitude earthquake in China's north-western Gansu province killed at least 47 people and injured another 296, state media said on Monday (July 22).

The quake hit Minxian County and Zhangxian County at 7:45 a.m. local time (2345 GMT on Sunday, July 21), the official Xinhua news agency said.

A second 5.6 earthquake struck the same region at 9:12 a.m local time (0112 GMT). Xinhua said.

The United States Geological Survey said the initial quake had a magnitude of 5.9.

Many homes in the quake-hit region collapsed, said Xinhua.

Locals in Minxian County said a strong tremor was felt and they saw trees and homes shake, adding that the quake lasted for about one minute.

State television CCTV carried amateur footage shot by a local resident showing chandelier and lights in a home shaking during the tremor.

Soldiers, police and more than 300 local paramilitary personnel have been dispatched to the quake zone to help with rescue efforts, according to Xinhua.

The provincial civil affairs department has sent 500 tents and 2,000 quilts to the quake-hit region, it added.

Presented by Adam Justice

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