Intensity of SW China quake reaches level IX

BEIJING - The deadly earthquake in Yunnan province was measured at level IX on the 12-level MMI (modified mercalli intensity) scale at its epicenter, the China Earthquake Administration announced on Thursday.

The earthquake was felt at or above level VI in an area of 10,350 kilometers, bringing disastrous effects to ten counties in Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces, according to the administration.

The earthquake was felt at level IX in an area of 90 kilometers around the epicenter which covers Longtoushan Township and Huodehong Township in Ludian County as well as Baogunao Village in Qiaojia County.

The MMI scale measures the intensity of an earthquake from its perceptible effects. The Richter scale, by comparison, measures the amount of energy released by seismic events.

Ranging from I to XII, a Level VI on the MMI indicates that the tremor could be felt by all in the area and is capable of causing minor structural damage. At level IX, a quake can result in considerable damage to structures.

Sunday's earthquake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale, killing at least 589 people, with nine missing.