A magnitude-5.8 earthquake hit Maerkang City in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 0003 BJT Friday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center, later followed by a magnitude 6.0 aftershock at a depth of 13 kilometers.

One person was injured as 11 aftershocks rocked the area.

China's Ministry of Emergency Management has launched a level-4 emergency response. 

A total of 25,790 residents were evacuated with 40 settlements being established near the epicenter as of Friday morning. Disaster relief materials, including tents and quilts, have been distributed to those affected. 

Local firefighters were deployed to the earthquake zone overnight.