Earthquake in China leaves at least 126 dead, hundreds injured

A strong earthquake hit a mountainous region of northwest China overnight, authorities said Tuesday. The most powerful quake to hit China in nine years killed at least 126 people and left many others out in the freezing night air as it destroyed homes.

The magnitude 6.2 temblor struck just before midnight and left more than 700 people injured. Roads in the provinces were damaged and power and communication lines cut, according to local officials cited by Chinese media.

"I just feel anxious, what other feelings could there be?" resident Ma Dongdong told The Associated Press over the phone. He said three bedrooms in his house along with his tea shop were destroyed by the quake.