An earthquake of around 7 magnitude has struck China’s far western region of Xinjiang.<br /><br />There are no immediate reports of casualties or damage.<br /><br />China’s government put the epicentre in Yutian county in the far south of Xinjiang. It is mostly desert and mountain but also has land used for farming. <br /><br />Local authorities say the nearest settlement is <br />some 50 kilometres away and that a 20-person rescue team was being sent to the area.<br /><br />The US Geological Survey initially put the magnitude at 6.9 before downgrading it to 6.8.<br /><br />Chinese authorities have put the magnitude at 7.3.
