A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Gaoxian County in Yibin City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, shortly after midnight, leaving 13 people with minor injuries and prompting emergency response operations, according to Chinese authorities.

The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) said the earthquake occurred at 12:12 a.m. local time at a depth of 6 kilometers. The tremor was felt not only in areas close to the epicenter but also in Yibin and the provincial capital, Chengdu, where some residents reported that furniture and household items were displaced by the shaking.

Chinese media reported that no fatalities have been recorded. Thirteen people sustained minor injuries and were admitted to hospitals for treatment.

Authorities said 196 residents living in damaged buildings were evacuated to temporary shelters as a precaution while inspections of affected structures continue.

Search-and-rescue teams remain in the area, where damage assessment and relief operations are ongoing. Emergency personnel are working to inspect buildings, assist affected residents and determine the full extent of the earthquake's impact.

Following the earthquake, the China Earthquake Administration activated a Level III emergency response mechanism to coordinate rescue, disaster assessment and relief efforts.

Local authorities said emergency teams remain on alert for possible aftershocks and are continuing to monitor conditions in the affected areas while maintaining public order.(ILKHA)