At least one person was killed and four others were injured after a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province on Tuesday, triggering a large-scale emergency response by local and national authorities.
According to the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC), the earthquake occurred at 5:06 p.m. local time. The epicentre was located at 37.80 degrees north latitude and 95.56 degrees east longitude, with the tremor originating at a depth of 10 kilometres beneath the surface. The relatively shallow depth of the quake contributed to strong shaking across the affected region.
Following the earthquake, authorities quickly launched rescue and relief operations. The Qinghai Provincial Seismological Bureau dispatched a team of experts to the disaster-hit area to assess the impact of the quake, monitor aftershocks and assist local officials in coordinating emergency response measures.
In response to the disaster, the provincial emergency management bureau activated a Level II emergency response for earthquake-related disasters at 6:10 p.m. The measure enabled authorities to mobilise additional resources, rescue personnel and equipment to the affected areas, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.
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Officials said all workers at coal mines operating near the epicentre were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure. Authorities have begun inspections of mining facilities, public infrastructure and residential buildings to assess structural damage and identify any additional casualties. Efforts are also underway to determine the full extent of losses caused by the earthquake.
China's Ministry of Emergency Management has mobilised rescue teams to conduct intensive search-and-rescue operations in areas most severely affected by the tremor. Emergency personnel have been deployed to search for people who may still be trapped under debris and to provide medical assistance to those injured.
The ministry has also arranged the delivery of emergency relief supplies, including tents, food, drinking water and other essential materials for residents impacted by the disaster. At the same time, authorities have strengthened seismic monitoring efforts to track aftershocks and evaluate potential risks in the region, according to reports from China Central Television (CCTV).
Meanwhile, the State Council's Earthquake Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management jointly activated a Level IV national emergency response. A specialised working group has been sent to the affected area to guide rescue efforts, coordinate relief operations and support local authorities in managing the aftermath of the disaster.
Rescue operations and damage assessments were continuing late into the evening, with authorities closely monitoring the situation and warning residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks.
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