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M5.8–6.2 Shallow Earthquake Strikes China’s Xinjiang

USGS rates fatality risk Green, economic loss risk Yellow.

Overview

  • The quake hit on December 4 at a depth of about 10 km, with NCS reporting magnitude 6.2 and USGS listing 5.8.
  • USGS recorded the event at 07:44 UTC and noted shallow depth that typically produces stronger surface shaking.
  • USGS exposure estimates indicate roughly 4,000 people felt very strong shaking, 15,000 strong, 14,000 moderate, and about 1.95 million light.
  • The epicenter was in southern Xinjiang, about 138 km north-northwest of Tumxuk and 154 km east-northeast of Aksu, where vulnerable adobe and log structures exist alongside resistant buildings.
  • Authorities reported no confirmed casualty or large-scale damage figures at this stage, with assessments and aftershock monitoring underway.