An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale hit the area between Xiuyan Manchu Autonomous County and Haicheng City in Liaoning Province at 7:43 (Beijing Time) January 12, according to the China Seismological Bureau.

The bureau reported that the epicenter is located at 40.5 degrees north latitude and 123.1 degrees east longitude.

Strong tremors were felt in the quake area and some houses were damaged. Tremors were also felt in Anshan, Panjing, Shenyang, Liaoyang and Dandong. (Xinhua)