CCTV9英语新闻：Power supply cut in 10 towns, townships in Yunnan quake-hit area（在线收听）

We begin with an update of the death toll of a strong earthquake that’s rocked Southwest China’s Yunnan Province. So far 381 people have been confirmed dead. The quake struck Zhaotong city at 4:30 pm Sunday, Beijing Time. 

The epicenter is in Longtoushan Township, 23 kilometers southwest of the county seat of Ludian. The hypocenter was at a depth of 12 kilometers. It’s the strongest quake to hit Yunnan in 14 years. Tremors were felt 300 kilometers away in the provincial capital Kunming. 

Many buildings were damaged, and power lines and communications knocked out. People rushed out of their homes for safety. The power supply in up to 10 towns and townships was cut, affecting 38-thousand households. Power was restored to some 19-thousand this morning. 

Nearly 30 thousand people have been evacuated and relocated to safer places. Six Kunming-bound trains held back in neighboring Sichuan province, have all resumed operation. The city of Zhaotong says it is in desperate need of blood, and is calling on the public to help.