WASHINGTON, May 17 (Reuters) - A 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook Sichuan province in China on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported, five days after a massive tremor killed tens of thousands of people.

USGS reported the latest earthquake, which follows scores of slightly less strong aftershocks during the week, was nearly 50 miles (80 km) deep and hit 49 miles (80 km) west of Guangyuan.

The quake hit as thousands of Chinese fled their homes on Saturday amid fears a lake could burst its banks, hampering rescue efforts after Monday's 7.9 earthquake killed about 29,000 people.

(Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Jackie Frank)

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