According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the quake jolted at 11:59 p.m. and has a focal depth of 10 km, reported Chinese news agency Xinhua.

The epicenter Liugou Township is about 8 km from the county seat of Jishishan Bao'an, Dongxiang, Sala Autonomous County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu, the news agency reported.

Battling extreme weather, rescuers are desperately trying to help people trapped under the debris.

Witnesses told Xinhua the earthquake has caused damages on houses, roads and other infrastructures. Several villages have suffered power failures and disruption of water.

Meanwhile,  the provincial fire and rescue department sent 580 rescuers aided with 88 fire engines, 12 search and rescue dogs, over 10,000 sets of equipment to the disaster area.

The country's railway authority suspended passenger and cargo trains passing through the quake zone and ordered a safety check of railway tracks.

According to reports, power and water supply have been disrupted in the region.