Yunnan Province quake

This item appears on page 19 of the October 2014 issue.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Yunnan Province in southern China on Aug. 3, triggering landslides, killing more than 580 people and destroying thousands of buildings. 

The quake was centered in the township of Longtoushan in mountainous Ludian County. It was followed by heavy rains, which caused flooding and the formation of barrier lakes behind dislodged rocks and debris, hampering relief efforts.