DATE=11/15/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CHINA-EARTHQUAKE (S-Only)

NUMBER=2-309854

BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ

DATELINE=BEIJING

CONTENT=

/// EDS Note: Pls update intro with latest casualty figures from CN- file ///

INTRO: A moderate earthquake has shaken southwestern China's Yunnan province, killing at least five people. V-O-A's Luis Ramirez reports from Beijing.

TEXT: Officials at China's State Seismological Bureau in Beijing say the five-point-two-magnitude quake shook a sparsely-populated area of Yunnan Province early Saturday.

Witnesses at the scene reported damage to buildings, but the extent of it was not clear late Saturday.

Chinese state television said the government had organized relief efforts, including the distribution to residents of tents and warm clothing.

Yunnan Province is prone to earthquakes, and this was the third fatal one to hit the region this year. Last month, a six-point-one-magnitude quake killed at least three people and toppled a number of homes. (Signed)

NEB/HK/LR/BK/KBK