A 6.4 magnitude aftershock on Sunday killed at least eight people and injured nearly 1,000 in southwest and northwest China, according to local government sources.

Four people were confirmed dead and 20 were injured in Hanzhong City, in the northwestern Shaanxi Province, said Mayor Hu Runze on Monday.

Hu said all the dead were in a paddy field in Xixiang County when the aftershock occurred.

Officials were still trying to ascertain the details of casualties and damage caused by the aftershock, the strongest tremor since the 8.0-magnitude May 12 quake.

Two deaths were reported in Sichuan Province, and one in Chongqing Municipality.

Longnan City, northwest Gansu Province, reported one death, caused by falling rocks, and 109 injuries with 15 seriously hurt.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2008)