China: Magnitude-5.7 earthquake occurs in Tibet at around 1411 CST March 19

Event

A magnitude-5.7 earthquake occurred in Nagqu, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, at around 1411 CST March 19. The epicenter was around 303 km (188 miles) northeast of Lhasa. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles) and probably produced strong shaking near the epicenter. Light-to-moderate shaking likely occurred in nearby area, including Lhasa. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties because of the earthquake; however, it could take several hours before authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments in the area.

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 authorities do not find any damage. Landslides are possible in some areas and could cause ground transport disruptions. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.