A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.2 shook Xinjiang, China, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, increasing the likelihood of aftershocks and stronger shaking at the surface.
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In a post on X, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 6.2, On: 04/12/2025 13:14:07 IST, Lat: 41.10 N, Long: 78.61 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Xinjiang, China.”
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Another Quake Earlier This Week
Just two days earlier, on December 2, the region experienced another earthquake of magnitude 3.9, also at a depth of 10 km.
The NCS shared the details on X, “EQ of M: 3.9, On: 02/12/2025 17:15:31 IST, Lat: 35.78 N, Long: 77.97 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Xinjiang.”
Why Shallow Earthquakes Are More Dangerous?
Shallow earthquakes are often more destructive because the seismic waves travel only a short distance before reaching the surface. This leads to stronger shaking, more damage to buildings, and potentially higher casualties.
China’s High Earthquake Risk
China experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location between two major seismic belts, the circum-Pacific and circum-Indian seismic zones.
The region is squeezed between the Pacific, Indian, and Philippine plates, which creates many active fault lines.
Since the early 1900s, China has recorded over 800 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher.
Nearly every province and region has experienced earthquakes except Guizhou, Zhejiang, and Hong Kong.
According to the Science Museums of China, more than 5,50,000 people in China have died in earthquakes since 1900, about 53% of global earthquake deaths.
Earthquake Impact Since 1949
Since 1949, more than 100 destructive earthquakes have struck China.
These have killed over 2,70,000 people, accounting for more than half of China’s total natural disaster deaths.
Earthquake-hit areas cover 300,000 square kilometers, destroying more than 7 million rooms.
Experts warn that earthquakes and other natural disasters remain a major challenge for China, even during peaceful times.