CHINA has been rocked by a huge 7.4 magnitude earthquake on the same day a person was killed in an earlier deady quake.

The quake struck Qinghai, China, at 2.04am on Saturday (6.04pm GMT), the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). It is not yet known if there are any injuries.

The latest quake came after two people were killed when a 6.4 magnitude struck in Yunnan earlier today, according to Chinese state media.

The quake hit at a depth of 12 kilometres (7.46 miles) and was followed by aftershocks, EMSC said.

The US Geological Survey said the quake took place near popular tourist area Dali.

The epicentre hit at 9.48pm at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometres.

Dali announced a level-two emergency response and a rescue operation was quickly started.

The quake is said to have occurred in the mountainous province and a truck driver was killed after being crushed by a falling rock. Another body was also recovered.

Officials said that at least nine other people had also been buried under rubble.

The provincial Government also said some buildings had collapsed and been damaged.

It added that the "disaster situation was undergoing further verification."

Some roads were damaged due to landslides, but electricity, telephones and internet were still working.

Local media published videos of ceiling lamps swaying, as well as vases being pictured falling off shelves,