Beijing-7: 45 a.m. on July 22^nd, a powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake hit China's mountainous northwestern, the junction of Min County and Zhang County in Gansu Province.

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By the end of 20: 00 p.m. on July 22^nd, the earthquake has killed at least 89 people and left more than 628 injured. More than 73,151 rooms from 22,486 houses have been damaged, while 5,785 rooms from 1,968 houses have collapsed in the six disaster areas, namely Dingxi, Longnan, Tianshui,Baiyin, Linxie and Gannan cities. 12.3 million people were affected by the powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake. The Cables in some areas were damaged, and communication was cut off in many towns of Zhang County.

So far, 1322 soldiers and 1428 local militiamen have been dispatched to the quake-hit area to help with rescue efforts. More then 65 paramedics and 2 helicopters have reached disaster areas to rescue earthquake victims.

1620 armed police and 1387 public security police rescue more than 453 people, disperse about 31,250 people and remove more than 326 dangerous situation. The provincial civil affairs department has sent 500 tents and 2,000 quilts to the quake-hit area. The Red Cross Society of China has also sent a team of disaster relief workers, with 200 tents, 1,000 family emergency kits and 2,000 cotton-padded jackets.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang flew to Ya'an to direct rescue efforts. And Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered officials and rescuers to make saving people the top priority.

The epicenter of this 6.6-magnitude quake was situated at Min County. The County is administratively under the control of Dingxi, Gansu province. In ancient times, it was known as Lintao County. It has a long history since Qin dynasty. It is located at the seismic belt between northern and southern China.