China: Magnitude-5.3 earthquake occurs in far northwestern Qinghai Province at 08:39 April 4

A magnitude-5.3 earthquake occurred in far northwestern Qinghai Province at around 08:39 April 4. The epicenter was about 197 km (122 miles) east-southeast of Bingtuan Sanshiliu Tuan. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout parts of northwestern Qinghai Province and far southeastern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 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.