China earthquake kills 56 and injures more than 400 as thousands are made homeless

An earthquake has struck rural China killing more than 56 people, injuring hundreds and destroying thousands of homes.

According to the local government, the shallow quake hit near the city of Dingxi, in central Gansu province, an arid region of mountains, desert and pastureland, early this morning.

Residents described shaking windows and swinging lights. The local government said at least 400 people had been injured by the quake, which measured up to magnitude 6.6.