Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits western Xizang, China

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit western Xizang, China at 22:07 UTC on July 22, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 450 km (278 miles) NNE of Saga and 473 km (294 miles) NNW of Rikaze, China.

1 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 2 000 moderate, 76 000 light, and 40 000 weak.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities. There is a low likelihood of casualties.

A yellow alert was issued for economic losses. Some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of China. Past events with this alert level have required a local or regional level response.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud construction.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google