Shallow M5.0 earthquake kills 4 and injured 23 in Yunnan, China
A shallow earthquake registered by the China Earthquake Networks Center as M5.0 with a depth of 8 km (5 miles) hit the province of Yunnan in the country's southwestern region at 13:48 UTC (21:48 LT) on Monday, May 18, 2020. The USGS registered it as M5.2 with a depth of 10 km (6 miles). Authorities confirmed four fatalities and 23 others injured on Tuesday, May 19.
The epicenter was located 26 km (16 miles) west-northwest of Wenping.
The shallow quake occurred in Qiaojia county on Monday evening, local time. The following day, local authorities reported that at least four people lost their lives, 23 others sustained injuries, and at least one house collapsed. Residents said the shaking went on for several seconds.
Credits: TW/SAM, Google
Around 600 rescue workers have been deployed to the disaster area, which included firefighters and soldiers from the local division of the People's Liberation Army, according to the Yunnan government.
China is regularly hit by earthquakes, especially the mountainous western and southwestern regions. In 2019, a strong M6 quake hit the Sichuan province, killing 13 and injuring almost 200 people.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: CGTN/YouTube
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