Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Hits Tajikistan Near China Border, No Casualties Reported

On Thursday morning, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake jolted Tajikistan, a remote region near the border of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.^[0] The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reported that the quake was 10km deep with its epicentre located at 37.98°N and 73.29°E.^[1] Tremors were felt across the China-Tajikistan border, but no casualties or damage have been reported so far.

As per the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake had a magnitude of 6.8 and was 67km West of Murghob. Within 20 minutes of the initial earthquake, an aftershock measuring 5.0 on the Richter Scale was felt, followed by another quake of 4.6 magnitude.^[2] According to the USGS, it is expected that “little or no population” will be impacted by landslides caused by the earthquake.^[2]

Tajikistan is highly prone to natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and heavy snowfalls.^[3] In February, an avalanche in Gorno-Badakhshan killed nine people, while another person died in an avalanche near the capital, Dushanbe.^[3] Local authorities have been inspecting bridges, tunnels and signal equipment since the quake, while power supply and communication remains normal in Kashgar.^[3]

So far there are no reports of injuries or casualties. Further information is anticipated.^[4]

0. “Strong 6.8-magnitude earthquake hits Tajikistan” BNO News, 23 Feb. 2023, https://bnonews.com/index.php/2023/02/strong-6-8-magnitude-earthquake-hits-tajikistan/

1. “6.8 earthquake shakes lightly populated part of Tajikistan” Phys.org, 23 Feb. 2023, https://phys.org/news/2023-02-earthquake-populated-tajikistan.html

2. “Tajikistan earthquake video: People sitting inside airport run in panic as 7.2 m” True Scoop, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/tajikistan-earthquake-video-people-fell-on-road-as-massive-72-magnitude-earthquake-hits-china-border-watch

3. “7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Tajikistan with strong shaking felt in China” AOL, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.aol.com/news/7-2-magnitude-earthquake-hits-072603863.html

4. “China shook by earthquake of magnitude 7.3 near Tajikistan border” msnNOW, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/china-shook-by-earthquake-of-magnitude-73-near-tajikistan-border/ar-AA17OYvL?li=AAgfYGb