China: Damage and casualties reported following magnitude-7.0 earthquake in western Xinjiang Province Jan. 23 /update 1

Damage and casualties have been reported following a magnitude-7.0 earthquake that occurred in western Xinjiang Province, China, at around 02:10 Jan. 23. The epicenter was about 129 km (80 miles) west-northwest of Aykol, Xinjiang Province. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 13 km (8 miles), and strong shaking was likely felt in areas close to the epicenter, as well as moderate-to-strong shaking across western Xinjiang Province, parts of eastern Almaty Region in Kazakhstan, and eastern Kyrgyzstan. The initial tremor has been followed by dozens of aftershocks, at least eight of which have measured between magnitude-5.0 and magnitude-5.8. Further moderate aftershocks are likely to occur over the coming days, and these may disrupt ongoing response operations.

As of the afternoon of Jan. 23, authorities in Xinjiang Province have reported six people injured following the quake and 47 homes have collapsed. At least 78 other homes and some agricultural buildings have received damage. The quake also damaged a number of power lines; however, authorities have reported power supply has largely been restored. The Xinjiang railway department immediately stopped operations in the region and 27 trains were reportedly affected before services resumed. No casualties have been reported in Kyrgyzstan. The tremor triggered a rockfall on the Bishkek-Naryn-Torugart road; authorities have cleared the debris and the road is open to traffic as of the afternoon of Jan. 23. Authorities in Kazakhstan have reported at least 44 people were treated for minor injuries in Almaty following the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas; the number of casualties and reports of damage will likely rise over the coming hours.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.