A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck parts of China’s western Xinjiang region early Tuesday. For the moment the results remain unknown. But the earthquake could have caused victims and much damage.
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck part of China’s western Xinjiang region early Tuesday, knocking out power and destroying at least two homes, local authorities and state media reported. So far, no casualties have been reported.
But according to the American Geological Survey, the earthquake could have caused victims and also significant damage.
The powerful earthquake struck in the mountainous and rural Uyghur region of Xinjiang, about 140 kilometers west of the city of Aksu.
The earthquake shook Uchturpan County, called Wushi County in Mandarin, in Aksu Prefecture shortly after 2 a.m., the China Earthquake Networks Center said.
This mountainous county had around 233,000 inhabitants in 2022, according to Xinjiang authorities.
Two houses collapsed, authorities in Aksu said, and around 200 rescuers were sent to the epicenter, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The earthquake knocked down power lines, but electricity was quickly restored to the area, Aksu authorities said.
The Urumqi Railway Office resumed services after 7 a.m. after safety checks confirmed there were no problems on the railway lines.