Earthquake Strikes Wushi County, Aksu Prefecture in Xinjiang, China

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: In the early hours of Tuesday, a seismic event shook Wushi County in Aksu Prefecture, located in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, registering a powerful 7.1 magnitude, as reported by the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).

The earthquake’s epicenter, situated at 41.26 degrees north latitude and 78.63 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 22 km, was identified in a township in Wushi County, within the mountainous border region between China and Kyrgyzstan.

Preliminary reports indicate that the quake caused several residential houses and livestock sheds to collapse in the epicenter. Local sources have reported minor injuries among herdsmen, and a child was rescued from the debris, currently receiving medical treatment in stable condition.

As of 4 a.m. Tuesday, the region experienced 14 aftershocks with a magnitude of three or higher, the strongest measuring at 5.3 magnitude. The impact prompted an emergency response from railway authorities, leading to the suspension of passenger trains and thorough inspections of tracks, bridges, and signal equipment. Services for 27 trains were affected.

Electricity supply disruptions were reported shortly after the quake, but power was gradually restored. The tremors were strongly felt in the Aksu area, leading residents to seek open spaces for safety despite freezing temperatures.

The earthquake’s effects reverberated across Xinjiang, reaching cities like Urumqi, Hotan, and Kashgar. Residents in the regional capital, Urumqi, reported feeling the shaking even on high floors.

Responding swiftly to the crisis, the Wushi County fire and rescue brigade dispatched a team to the epicenter, and the Aksu prefecture fire and rescue detachment mobilized 60 personnel. The Xinjiang regional fire and rescue department has 182 vehicles, 800 people, and 32 dogs on standby for disaster relief.

In a concerted effort, 1,000 tents, 5,000 cotton-padded coats, 10,000 quilts and mattresses, 5,000 foldable beds, and 1,000 stoves have been dispatched to Wushi County for immediate relief efforts. The situation is being closely monitored as authorities coordinate comprehensive measures to address the aftermath of this seismic event.