A magnitude 4.9 earthquake has rattled the southern Chinese province of Sichuan, leaving at least two people dead. Local authorities are stopping shale gas development after facing claims that the industry triggered the tremor.
Chinese media reported that the temblor struck Rongxian County on Monday afternoon.
It was the third earthquake with a magnitude of more than four to hit the county in two days. All of them occurred at a depth of about five kilometers.
Residents are claiming that shale gas development has caused the series of earthquakes.
In the wake of the latest quake, people swarmed a local government office in protest.
A video posted online shows demonstrators scuffling with officials an
d holding up banners.
A local media outlet quoted an expert as saying it is unclear whether the quakes were related to shale gas development.
NHK
