6.3 earthquake – A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck China’s Qinghai province on Tuesday, June 16, killing at least one person and injuring several others, according to preliminary information from state media and the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was followed by aftershocks
An earthquake rattled China’s northwestern Qinghai province on Tuesday evening, with tremors still echoing as rescue teams searched for people trapped under rubble.
The quake hit around 5 p.m. local time on June 16, according to the United States Geological Survey. The agency said the earthquake measured 6.3 in magnitude and occurred about 10 miles deep. It was followed by several aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 5.4.
Preliminary accounts from state media described casualties and the urgent work underway. Xinhua, citing emergency responders, reported at least one person was killed and nearly a half-dozen others were injured. The agency said rescue teams were searching for people trapped under rubble and assessing the risks of additional tremors.
The magnitude matters for what people can expect in the aftermath. Michigan Technological University’s earthquake scale offers a rough guide: below 2.5. earthquakes are generally not felt; between 2.5 and 5.4. they tend to cause minor or no damage; and from 5.5 to 6.0. slight damage to buildings is possible. The scale continues upward. with 6.1 to 6.9 linked to serious damage. 7.0 to 7.9 described as major earthquakes that can cause serious damage. and 8.0 or greater associated with massive damage that can destroy communities.
As the initial quake’s impacts were being assessed, the timing and sequence remained the immediate concern—first the main 6.3 event, then the aftershocks that included a 5.4 tremor. That pattern keeps danger close even after the ground stops moving at its strongest.
This is a developing story.
earthquake China Qinghai 6.3 magnitude aftershocks 5.4 U.S. Geological Survey Xinhua emergency responders
So 6.3 is like not that bad right? Like I’m seeing “slight damage” numbers and then it says people died so what’s the difference here?
I don’t get why they keep talking about Michigan Tech earthquake scale like that helps anyone in Qinghai. It’s still terrifying that it was only 10 miles deep though.
Wait was it aftershocks that actually killed them or the first quake? I saw half-dozen injured but “several aftershocks” sounds like it could’ve been worse. Also 5.4 isn’t that high but apparently it’s still dangerous.
This is why you shouldn’t build stuff on top of mountains in China… they always act surprised like the earth isn’t moving. But if it’s 10 miles deep shouldn’t people feel it less?? idk just seems inconsistent.