Death toll of Sichuan earthquake reaches 19

Rescuers transfer quake-affected people in quake-hit Jiuzhaigou County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on August 9, 2017. Rescue work continues after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Jiuzhaigou, a popular tourist destination, on August 8, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Ge Qiangjun]

The earthquake in Sichuan province on Tuesday has claimed at least 19 lives, while more than 260 others have been injured.

Thirty-two others were injured by a quake in Xinjiang on Wednesday.

The dead in Sichuan include eight tourists and two locals.

The identities of the other nine are not yet known.

Ten of the injured have been listed in serious or critical condition.

The China Earthquake Networks Center says the disaster hit Jiuzhaigou County after 9 pm on Tuesday local time at a depth of 20 kilometers.

Jiuzhaigou is a popular tourist destination in the mountains on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

It is part of Aba prefecture and is known for its ethnic minority communities, mountainous landscape, and stunning scenery.

Immediately after the earthquake hit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang called for all-out efforts on relief and rescue work.

Meanwhile, 32 people have been hurt following a 6.6-magnitude earthquake in western Xinjiang on Wednesday morning.

Two of the injured are said to be in serious condition.

The quake has also damaged more than a thousand homes in Jinghe County, which is located close to the border with Kazakhstan.

The quake hit at a shallow depth of 11 km.

Over 100 aftershocks have been recorded, with at least 2 measuring near magnitude-6.

Recovery operations are underway in the sparsely populated area.

Regional authorities have dispatched tents, folding beds and quilts to the affected areas.

In the wake of the earthquakes, the international community has responded and offered to assist China in dealing with the aftermath.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, says the UN is ready to help the victims in the Sichuan earthquake.

The spokesman says while the Chinese government has abundant experience in search and rescue, the UN stands ready to help should the Chinese government request international assistance.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations says that it is also ready to help China to cope with the impact of the earthquake in Sichuan.