Beijing, 19 December 2023 (dpa/MIA) - At least 127 people died in an earthquake that struck northern China late on Monday, state news agency Xinhua reported, with rescuers working in freezing temperatures to find survivors.

The state news agency on Tuesday said that more 500 people were reported injured after the quake struck Gansu province, at a reported magnitude of 6.2.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which put the quake's magnitude at 5.9, said that it struck at 11:59 pm on Monday (1559 GMT).

At least 113 people died in Gansu's Jishishan County, while the neighbouring province of Qinghai reported 13 deaths. Tremors were also felt in the provincial capital Lanzhou.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for everything possible to be done to save people's lives as the rescue effort continued.

Witnesses told Xinhua that the quake caused damage to some 6,000 houses, roads and other infrastructure in Jishishan. Several villages lost power and the water supply was interrupted in an area regarded as one of the poorest in China.

Several aftershocks occurred during the course of the day. The province of Xinjiang neighbouring Gansu was hit by a magnitude-5.5 quake.

The provincial fire and rescue bureau sent volunteers to the region. The railway authority stopped trains from travelling through the area.

Chinese state media released photos of people who fled their homes and staying outside wrapped in blankets in wintry temperatures. State television showed rescue workers searching for survivors in the rubble.

According to the local weather bureau, temperatures in Jishishan are expected to drop to -10 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-Wen expressed condolences on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"My sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in the recent earthquake in northwestern China," she wrote. "We pray that all those affected receive the aid they need, and we hope for a swift recovery. Taiwan stands ready to offer assistance in the disaster response effort," she said.

Photo: EPA