A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the moment magnitude scale struck Xinjiang in the northwest of China this morning. While there were no immediate reports of fatalities, the tremor caused noticeable damage to homes and critical infrastructure in the affected area. Officials with the China Seismological Network Center reported that the event occurred at 02:09 local time (18:09 GMT). The quake’s focus was at a depth of about 22 kilometers, and the epicenter was primarily centered in the Wushi district, part of Aksu prefecture. Aftershocks followed the main event, with the strongest one reaching magnitude 5.3 according to the same agency. (Source: China Seismological Network Center)
In an related briefing, the Xinjiang Seismological Agency indicated that the epicenter was approximately 50 kilometers from Wushi, with five towns located within a 20-kilometer radius. Local media reports through the Xinjiang Daily emphasized that two houses and several barns collapsed near the epicenter, and power outages occurred briefly in the area before electricity restoration operations were completed. (Source: Xinjiang Seismological Agency; Xinjiang Daily)
The affected region lies in a mountainous belt close to China’s border with Kyrgyzstan. Overnight temperatures hovered about ten degrees below zero, a factor that can influence local rescue efforts and the stability of damaged structures. Residents in cities across Xinjiang, including Kashgar, Khotan, and the provincial capital Urumqi, described feeling strong ground motion and shaking that reached higher floors of multi-story buildings. One observer on the 21st floor of a hotel in Aksu recalled the moment, noting that the tremor was powerful enough to rattle the bed and wake travelers far above street level. (Source: Local residents and regional media)
Emergency authorities at both the local and national levels immediately mobilized and deployed rescue and disaster-response teams to the epicenter. A rapid-response package was established to ensure ongoing support, with more than 800 personnel, 182 vehicles, and 32 search dogs positioned to handle any emergent needs. The coordinated effort underscores the emphasis placed on swift damage assessment, sheltering displaced residents, and safeguarding essential services in the quake zone. (Source: Regional emergency services command)
A separate historical note recalls the region’s seismic history. In December, a 6.2 magnitude temblor struck parts of Gansu and Qinghai provinces in northwestern China, resulting in at least 151 fatalities and extensive structural damage, including the destruction of tens of thousands of homes. That earlier event highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of western China to large earthquakes and the importance of resilient building practices and rapid emergency response. It stands as a stark reminder of the long-standing seismic hazard faced by the area and the need for robust infrastructure and preparedness across communities in Xinjiang and adjacent provinces. (Source: national seismic records and regional disaster summaries)