Earthquakes measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale hit remote areas of southwestern China last Friday, killing 80 so far and injuring more than 800, reported Reuters, citing Xinhua News Agency. Rescue attempts over the weekend were complicated by rain, electricity outages and roads blocked by debris. The quakes damaged thousands of homes, flattened 6,600 houses and in total affected 740,000 residents of the counties closest to the epicenter in Yunnan, government officials said. Premier Wen Jiabao flew to the area on Friday night, reaching Yiliang county at the center of the crisis after 12 a.m. He visited hospitals and villages, speaking to survivors through the night. Economic losses from the quakes are estimated to be roughly US$583 million, the province’s civil affairs department said.
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