Initial assessments from Chinese authorities and international seismic agencies indicate no casualties so far. However, officials have warned that minor structural damage is possible given the intensity of the tremors and the proximity of several towns.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a green alert for potential fatalities indicating a low likelihood of deathsand a yellow alert for economic losses, suggesting limited but notable local impact. Early population exposure estimates show that around 4,000 people experienced very strong shaking, over 15,000 reported strong tremors, and nearly two million felt light but noticeable movement.
Tumxuk, the nearest major town located roughly 139 km north-northwest of the epicentre, recorded mild shaking at level IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. Such intensity typically results in light, non-destructive tremors.
Seismologists noted that the region is prone to moderate to strong earthquakes due to its tectonic setting. Friday’s quake is the strongest recorded in the area since January 22, 2024, when back-to-back tremors of 5.8 and 7.0 magnitude were reported. Over the past decade, at least three quakes of magnitude 5.8 or higher have occurred within a 300-km radius of the current epicentre averaging one significant event every three years.
Emergency teams and local authorities are monitoring developments, though early reports suggest that the impact remains contained. Further assessments on infrastructure and aftershock patterns are expected in the coming hours.
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