An earthquake shook southwest China on Thursday evening, claiming at least one life and injuring 342, said the local earthquake prevention and disaster reduction office.

The 6.0 magnitude jolt, centered on Yao'an county, Yunnan province, destroyed almost 11,000 houses and damaged more than 45,000 other homes and was followed by several large aftershocks.

Some 1.26 million people were affected, according to official figures.