BEIJING - A strong aftershock near the epicentre of China's devastating earthquake triggered landslides that cut off roads and buried vehicles on Friday, state media reported.

The aftershock, measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale, shook Lixian county, less than 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the epicentre of Monday's quake, Xinhua news agency reported.

"A number of vehicles were buried in landslides triggered by the aftershock," Xinhua said, citing its reporters on the scene.

State television reported separately that the aftershock also had cut off mobile telecommunication services that had just been restored in the area after being severed by Monday's earthquake, it said.

The aftershock "added significantly to the difficulties" of carrying out relief work in Lixian county, the television station said.

China has mobilised tens of thousands of troops to handle the aftermath of the 7.9-magnitude quake, the country's worst in three decades.

Authorities estimate the earthquake had killed more than 50,000 people.

- AFP /ls

• Donations continue to pour in for earthquake victims in China • Singapore's rescue team arrives in China • Foreign rescuers provide unprecedented help in China quake area • China launches probe into collapse of schools in quake • China warns of dam collapses due to rain in quake zone