Strong aftershocks may continue to hit the Yushu prefecture of Qinghai Province in northwest China after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the area Wednesday morning, the China Earthquake Administration (CEA) warned Saturday.

Since the quake, the area has suffered 1,098 aftershocks, with 12 of them surpassing magnitude 3 and one measuring 6.3, the CEA said.

More aftershocks are expected and the CEA has warned people to be prepared.

Experts are installing seven mobile instruments for strong motion observation in the quake-hit area.