URUMQI, Feb. 12 -- No casualties are reported in a 7.3magnitude earthquake that hit northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Wednesday afternoon, according to local authorities.

The quake struck Yutian County in the prefecture of Hotan at 17:19 p.m. Wednesday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.

The quake was felt strongly by residents in Hotan, Yutian and Moyu.

No casualties were reported as of 6 p.m. The epicenter is in a sparsely populated, high altitude area.

More than 20 professionals will be dispatched to the spot.

A 5.4-magnitude quake has hit the same place yesterday morning.