An isolated mountainous area in southwest China's Sichuan Province was struck by a moderate earthquake early Wednesday morning, according to the China Seismological Monitoring Network.

The quake, measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale, jolted Kangding County of the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in western Sichuan at 1:50 AM Wednesday.

The center of the quake was located at 30.05 degrees north latitude and 101.53 degrees east longitude, the network said.

The quake was strongly felt in townships and villages across the county.

By noon, more than 100 aftershocks, measuring up to 2.6 on the Richter scale, had jolted the county, causing the collapse of dozens of houses, road damage and blackouts in several villages.

The provincial government has sent a work team to the quake-hit area to evacuate affected villagers and carry out rescue efforts.

No casualties have so far been reported.

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2008)