Beijing: At least ten people were reported dead today (Dec 1, 2003), when a strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale jolted Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The quake struck at 9:38 hrs (7.08 hrs IST) in Zhaosu County in the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, the regional seismological bureau said.

The epicentre of the quake was located at 43.1 degrees North latitude, 80.1 degrees East longitude.

The quake was strongly felt in Zhaosu County and surrounding areas, and has collapsed some houses, Xinhua news agency reported.

Detailed report on casualties was not available.

Local seismological bureau has sent a rescue team to the quake-hit area.

PTI