Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Strikes Haixi in Qinghai, No New Casualties Reported

Kathmandu — A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the Dachaidan area of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China’s Qinghai Province late on June 23. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the earthquake occurred at 11:29 p.m. local time.

The epicenter was located at 37.86 degrees north latitude and 95.54 degrees east longitude. The quake was recorded at a depth of 8 kilometers.

According to preliminary assessments by local authorities, the earthquake was an aftershock of the magnitude 6.3 quake that struck the same area on June 16. The epicenter of the latest tremor was located close to the epicenter of the earlier stronger earthquake.

The shaking was clearly felt in Dachaidan and surrounding areas. Local reports also said tremors were felt in nearby cities such as Delingha and Golmud. However, initial inspections found no reports of new casualties.

Xigou Village is located near the epicenter. The epicenter is about 15 kilometers from the Dachaidan administrative committee, around 170 kilometers from Delingha and about 171 kilometers from Golmud.

Preliminary estimates show that around 5,300 people live within 20 kilometers of the epicenter, about 6,300 people within 50 kilometers and around 16,000 people within 100 kilometers. Local authorities have therefore prioritized risk assessment, damage inspection and safety monitoring.

After the earthquake, Haixi Prefecture authorities immediately began assessing the situation. Relevant departments were mobilized to inspect possible casualties, buildings, infrastructure, landslide risks and the safety of key facilities.

Initial checks showed that communications, power supply and road traffic remained normal. Local reports also said no abnormal conditions had been found so far in temporary settlements, mining areas, chemical industry sites, tourist areas and other important locations.

Although authorities have described the quake as an aftershock, they have urged the public to remain alert. Since the earlier magnitude 6.3 earthquake may have affected the ground and weakened some structures, residents have been advised to stay away from unsafe buildings, slopes and other risky areas.

Haixi is a sensitive high plateau region with scattered settlements, mining activity and long distance transport routes. In such areas, rapid inspection, maintaining communications, keeping roads open and preparing emergency supplies are especially important after an earthquake.

The absence of major new damage in the initial assessment is a positive sign. Local authorities responded quickly, began situation assessment and continued monitoring of potentially risky locations.

Residents in the affected areas have been urged to follow official information, avoid rumors or unverified reports and take necessary precautions in view of possible further aftershocks.

The magnitude 5.2 earthquake in Haixi shows that continued vigilance remains necessary after the earlier stronger quake. However, the lack of reported new casualties, normal communication and transport operations, and the quick mobilization of local authorities are reassuring signs.