China: Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs in Xinjiang Region near border with Kyrgyzstan at around 06:58 Feb. 24

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred near the border of China and Kyrgyzstan in China's Xinjiang Region at around 06:58 Feb. 24. The epicenter was about 130 km (81 miles) west of Aykol, China. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt in parts of western Xinjiang Region, southeastern Kazakhstan, and eastern Kyrgyzstan. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. 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.