Deadly China Earthquake Kills Nearly 400: Yunnan Province Struck by Natural Disaster

On Sunday, a horrendous earthquake struck China's Yunnan province--killing close to 400 people and injuring over 1,800.

Nearly 12,000 homes collapsed in Ludian: a densely populated county near the capital, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency.

"The aftermath is much, much worse than what happened after the quake two years ago," said Ma Liya, a resident of Zhaotong, via Fox News. "I have never felt such strong tremors before. What I can see are all ruins."

About two years ago, an earthquake of 5.6 magnitude struck 23 miles from Zhoutong and killed 81 people and injured 821, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

This earthquake struck the area at 4:30 p.m. at a depth of 6 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Both the White House and the United Nations have pledged to offer assistance during this time of need.

"U.S. disaster response officials are in contact with their Chinese counterparts. The United States stands ready to assist," said National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan, in a statement. The UN will "lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs created by the disaster and to mobilize any international support needed," according to a spokesperson for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

Rescue teams are working to organize the People's Liberation Army to reach devastated areas and deliver food, medical supplies, tents and clothing.

Though most of us are unaware, earthquakes are constantly coming up around the globe. On Aug. 1, an earthquake was recorded early morning in Vermont, according to Vermont Emergency Management. However, at a magnitude of 1.6, few were aware of the natural disaster.

Seismologists note that earthquakes below a magnitude of 2.5 are usually not detectable.