<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;">China has reopened roads leading to the epicentre of Monday's 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the southwestern province of Sichuan and traffic has resumed, state media reported on Wednesday, while the death toll has risen to 74.</span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition, a total of 259 people were injured in the disaster and 26 remained missing as of Tuesday night, Reuters reported citing the People's Daily.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The strongest earthquake to hit the province since 2017 destroyed numerous buildings and caused severe damage to power and water infrastructure as well as telecommunications.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rescuers had rushed to reach stranded people, restore utilities and send emergency relief, while 11,000 people were evacuated on Tuesday from Luding county, where the quake was centred.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Early on Wednesday, China Earthquake Networks Centre recorded a magnitude 3 aftershock at the epicentre, at a depth of 12 km (7.5 miles).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Weather forecasters have also warned of the prospect of heavy rains in the region until Friday. Source: Reuters</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>