An earthquake measuring 4.9 degrees on the Richter scale hit the Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture of Kizilsu in the westernmost part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region at 7:35 a.m. Saturday.

According to the regional seismological bureau, the epicenter of the quake is at the Halajun Township, 126 kilometers northeast of the county town of Artux.

So far, there have been no casualties reported.

Local government has sent officials to the quake-hit areas for investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2003)