A major aftershock from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake has hit Mianzhu city in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The 5.6 earthquake cut off a road, and brought down several houses in the region. Four local residents were injured, and no deaths have been reported.

China National Seismological Bureau said the epicenter of the 5.6 magnitude earthquake is at Mianzhu city in Sichuan province. Four other regions in the province, including the capital Chengdu, felt the tremor.

The quake is the strongest aftershock since the May 12th quake last year. The 2008 quake killed at least 80 thousand people. Several aftershocks occurred later on that day, with the biggest measuring 5 magnitude.

Local authorities said the first aftershock has toppled three houses in an area of Mianzhu. And, it has caused minor damage to more than eight thousand homes in the city.

Four local residents have been injured.

Roads connecting two towns in Mianzhu have been cut off, and telecommunications in the city are temporarily down.

Local authorities have activated an emergency plan to begin relief and rescue work. And, a special working group has been sent to the epicenter to inspect the damage.

Mianzhu was one of the areas hardest hit by the 8-magnitude quake last year. Experts have warned of the possibility of more aftershocks in the future.