Rescuers carry a survivor from the rubble after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit China.

The rumbling in western Gansu province killed over 50 people and injured hundreds.

Within 90 minutes of the first quake, a second one struck. State media say the aftershock measured a magnitude 5.6. Heavy rain is also forecast for the areas and officials fear it will compound existing damage by causing more landslides and flooding.

Hundreds of soldiers and firefighters have been dispatched to the mountainous region to help with rescue efforts.