China: A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs in eastern Xinjiang Autonomous Region at around 18:58 CST Feb. 20

A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurred in eastern Xinjiang Autonomous Region at around 18:58 CST Feb. 20. The epicenter was about 59 km (37 miles) east of Hami. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout parts of the eastern Xinjiang Autonomous Region and far northern Gansu Province in China and southwestern Govi-Altai Province in Mongolia. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; however, significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

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.