China Quake Shuts Down Power

Eight power plants have been shut down or disconnected from the grid in southwest China after the area was hit by a massive earthquake, according to state media reports.

Eight transformer sub-stations have also been shut down across Sichuan and neighbouring Shaanxi province, according to official news agency Xinhua.

The main network is believed to be stable with the power supply gradually recovering.

The 7.9-magnitude earthquake, which struck yesterday afternoon, has resulted in almost 12,000 deaths, with the toll likely to rise as the search and rescue operation continues.

By staff writer