An earthquake measuring 7.5 has hit south-west China, according to the US Geological Survey. The Chinese authorities say they are still investigating the exact location and strength of the quake.

- 12 / 05 / 2008 10:12

An earthquake measuring 7.5 has hit south-west China, according to the US Geological Survey.

Reports said tremors could be felt as far afield as the Thai capital, Bangkok, and Hanoi in Vietnam.

The quake struck 57 miles (92km) north-west of Sichuan's provincial capital, Chengdu, at 1428 (0628 GMT), the survey said on its website.

Earthquakes are common in China - in March a 7.2-magnitude quake struck in the western Xinjiang province.

On Monday, workers in Beijing - about 930 miles from Chengdu - said buildings were swaying for about two minutes.

In Beijing's financial district, workers poured from their buildings - but there were no visible signs of damage.

Workers in Chengdu also fled their buildings.

"We felt continuous shaking for about two or three minutes. All the people in our office are rushing downstairs," an office worker in Chengdu told Reuters.

The Chinese authorities say they are still investigating the exact location and strength of the quake - which was initially reported to be 7.8 magnitude by the US survey.