Thais advised to follow up earthquake reports in China

BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) -- The spokesperson of the Foreign Affairs Ministry says the nationality of earthquake victims in Jiuzhaigou county of Sichuan province has not been confirmed, and advises Thai people to follow up the situation there. Busadee Santipitaks, the spokesperson, quoted the Thai Consulate-General in Xian as reporting that the quake measured 7.0 on the Richter scale and was located 20 kilometers underground in Jiuzhaigou, 703 kilometers from Xian. Its impacts were felt in Xian and other nearby areas. “There has not been a report on damage or any Thai casualties. The consulate-general has warned Thai communities on impacts and asked everyone to leave their building at the night of Aug 8 and follow up warnings from the consulate-general and Chinese authorities,” the spokesperson said. She said that Sichuan information authorities reported 13 deaths and 175 injured people as of 9.30am on Aug 9. Thai people were advised not to travel to affected areas. The consulate-general will seek updates from Chinese authorities and travel agents. Emergency calls can be made to the hotline number of the Thai Consulate-General in Chengdu at +86 15708428656. (TNA)