Central Asia: A magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs in western Xinjiang near the China-Kyrgyzstan border at around 17:54 CST March 4

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in western Xinjiang near the China-Kyrgyzstan border at around 17:54 CST March 4. The epicenter was about 114 km (71 miles) south-southeast of Karakol, Kyrgyzstan. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 7 km (4 miles), and moderate shaking was probably felt in areas close to the epicenter, as well as light shaking throughout parts of western Xinjiang in China, eastern Kyrgyzstan, and far southeastern Kazakhstan. 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.