A magnitude 4.9 earthquake hits southwestern China on Friday, striking Gao County in Yibin City within Sichuan province. According to official measurements published by the China Earthquake Networks Center, the seismic event occurred at 1:08 p.m. local time at a shallow focal depth of six kilometers. State broadcaster CCTV confirmed that one person was killed after being struck by a collapsing exterior wall while attempting to seek safety during the tremors.

China announced new countermeasures against the United States on Wednesday, including tighter controls on drone-related exports. It also restricted dealings with seven American entities. The measures took effect on August 5 after recent U.S. technology and import restrictions. China’s Ministry of Commerce said controlled drones, key components and related technologies will face stricter U.S.-bound export reviews. The rules apply to items already covered by China’s dual-use export control system. They do not create a blanket ban on all Chinese drone shipments to the American market.

The eruption began Monday and intensified as gas, lava and ash rose from the crater. Pyroclastic flows moved through several ravines on Fuego’s western and southwestern slopes, reaching distances of five to seven kilometers. These flows contain hot gas, ash and rock and can move at high speed. Monitoring teams also tracked an ash column spreading west and northwest, with volcanic material reported far beyond the immediate danger zone.

Strong winds pushed the eastern Washington fires through dry grass, timber and residential areas north of Spokane. The Old Trails Fire crossed the Spokane River and entered northwest neighborhoods only hours after it began. Flames damaged homes, businesses, vehicles, power equipment and other property across several communities. Infrared surveys identified possible damage to hundreds of additional buildings, though assessment teams had not confirmed those losses.