West Central China – An earthquake estimated to be 7.1 magnitude has ripped through West-Central China killing at least 300 people and injuring thousands as rescue workers work against time to find survivors under collapsed buildings.

The 7.1 magnitude earthquake which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday has reportedly demolished buildings, roof tops and damaged electricity lines in the Tibet region of the country which was very close to the epicentre of the huge quake.

The Chinese residents all took to the streets desperately trying to get news from loved ones as phone lines and mobile networks went down.

It is reported that at least 8000 people have been injured by the earthquake, while rescue workers are racing against time to find survivors under the hundreds of collapsed buildings. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicentre of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake was 240 Km, North of the Qamdo prefecture, at the border of the Sichuan province and 33 km from the surface of the ground.

Local media have reported that a school has also collapsed at the Tibetan Yushu county while students were inside, and rescue workers including doctors and fire-fighters are going through the rubble to find survivors.

The Chinese Military has also been deployed to the earthquake hit area to help with rescue work but local officials have already complained to local television crews that they lack the proper equipment.

According to the Sohu News Agency a reported 44 survivors have already been taken out of collapsed buildings.

Officials are warning that there may be aftershocks as big as 5.5 magnitude. The same area was hit by a 7.9 magnitude quake in 2008 which killed over 90,000 people.