17 Mar 2023 | 11:22 AM UTC
China: A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs in eastern Tibet Autonomous Region March 17
A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs in eastern Tibet Autonomous Region, China, at 18:39 March 17. No immediate reports of damage, injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurred in eastern Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) at around 18:39 March 17. The epicenter was about 114 km (71 miles) west-southwest of Qamdo. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout parts of eastern TAR and far southern Qinghai Province in China and northern Arunachal Pradesh State in India. 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.
Advice
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
