Beijing: A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck China’s northwestern Qinghai province on Tuesday evening, triggering multiple aftershocks and prompting emergency response measures in the region. According to reports, the quake hit Haixi prefecture at around 5.06 pm local time.
The China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC) stated that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located at latitude 37.80 degrees north and longitude 95.56 degrees east.
Aftershocks Recorded Following Main Tremor
Several aftershocks were recorded soon after the initial quake, including one measuring nearly magnitude 5. Reports indicated that around eight tremors were felt within approximately 40 minutes after the first earthquake struck.
A magnitude 6.3 #earthquake struck #Qinghai Province's Haixi prefecture at 17:06 on Tuesday, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center, as reported by CCTV. pic.twitter.com/ctYcBPGSSi
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) June 16, 2026
Authorities continued monitoring seismic activity in the region as concerns remained over the possibility of further aftershocks.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Reuters reported, citing Chinese emergency authorities, that at least one person was killed and four others were injured in the earthquake. Chinese media reports also said a coal mine in the affected region was evacuated as a precautionary measure.
China’s earthquake administration activated a Level III emergency response and dispatched teams to assess the situation and coordinate relief operations.
High-Altitude Region Prone to Earthquakes
The earthquake occurred in Qinghai’s sparsely populated high-altitude region, an area known for frequent seismic activity because of tectonic movements caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
The epicentre was located near several salt lakes and mining sites in the province. Preliminary estimates suggested that nearly 8,660 people were exposed to the tremors.
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) reportedly assessed the quake’s overall impact as limited based on its initial Shake Map analysis.
According to media reports, the intensity of shaking ranged from moderate to severe in some parts of the region. Authorities were continuing to evaluate the extent of damage and monitor developments.
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