In China, an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale jolted Alaska Peninsula today. The state news agency Xinhua said more than 400 homes were slightly damaged. However, there were no reports of any deaths. China is frequently struck by earthquakes. Nearly 3,000 people died or were reported missing after a strong quake in China's north-west last year, and in 2008 a devastating earthquake in Sichuan province claimed at least 80,000 lives.