8 people have died in a powerful earthquake in China

(CNN) –– At least eight people were killed in a 5.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northwest China on Monday, Chinese state media Xinhua reported, citing local officials in China’s Gansu province.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located at a depth of about 9.6 kilometers and the epicenter was 37 kilometers west-northwest of Linxia Chengguanzhen.

Xinhua reported earlier that local emergency management and fire departments had launched response operations following the earthquake in Jixishan County, northwest China’s Gansu Province. Linxia Chengguanzhen is located in Gansu Province.

According to the USGS, the earthquake caused estimated economic losses. A red alert indicates extensive and widespread damage is likely.

The USGS added that the tremor caused by the earthquake is severe, with moderate to severe damage likely.

Jishishan County is located at the junction of Gansu and Qinghai Provinces, about 200 km from the provincial capital Lanzhou. According to Xinhua, strong tremors were felt in several areas in Gansu and Qinghai.

In Jixishan and Yongjing counties, people were seen on the streets after the quake, Xinhua reported.

An investigation into the casualties and property damage caused by the earthquake is currently underway, Xinhua said.