A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Wushi County in Aksu Prefecture of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region at 2:09 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The quake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 22 kilometers, pinpointed at 41.26 degrees north latitude and 78.63 degrees east longitude. The tremor was followed by a series of aftershocks, the strongest of which registered at 5.3 in magnitude, as reported by the CENC.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the epicenter lies within a township in Wushi County, situated in the mountainous border area between China and Kyrgyzstan. The location is approximately 50 kilometers from the county seat of Wushi, with five villages within a 20-kilometer radius of the epicenter.
As of 3 a.m., local authorities reported the collapse of two residential houses and livestock sheds in the affected area. No casualties have been reported so far. While parts of the region experienced temporary disruptions to electricity supplies shortly after the quake, services have been gradually restored.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across several cities and prefectures in Xinjiang, including Urumqi, Hotan, and Kashgar. Residents in the regional capital Urumqi reported feeling the tremors even on high floors of residential buildings.
Emergency response teams were promptly dispatched following the quake. The Wushi County fire and rescue brigade sent an advance team of 10 personnel to the epicenter, while the Aksu Prefecture fire and rescue detachment mobilized an additional 60 responders.
A total of 182 vehicles, 800 personnel, and 32 rescue dogs have been placed on standby, prepared to assist with disaster relief efforts, according to the Xinjiang Regional Fire and Rescue Department.
The region is known for its seismic activity due to its location along active tectonic boundaries. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents to remain vigilant and to follow safety guidelines.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
