China: Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs in southwestern Sichuan Province April 9

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in southwestern Sichuan Province at around 22:07 CST April 9. The epicenter was about 47 km (29 miles) west-northwest of Yongning. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 17 km (11 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout parts of southwestern Sichuan Province, southeastern Tibet Autonous Region, and northwestern Yunnan Province in China and northeastern Kachin State in Myanmar. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, and 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.