Recent earthquakes in China
China experiences major earthquakes both along its western margins, where the Indian Plate collides with Eurasia to raise the Tibetan Plateau, and within its interior on reactivated intraplate faults. This makes destructive earthquakes possible far from any plate boundary. The 1976 Tangshan earthquake (M7.6) killed roughly 250,000 people, and the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (M7.9) devastated Sichuan. In the past 24 hours, China has recorded 1 earthquake, the largest an M4.2 (25 km NW of Sarupathar, India).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.2 | Sep 11, 17:56 UTC | 123 km | 25 km NW of Sarupathar, India |
| M4.7 | Sep 10, 16:53 UTC | 10 km | 66 km WSW of Zhaotong, China |
| M4.6 | Sep 9, 10:51 UTC | 10 km | 27 km WSW of Jiyuan, China |
Notable recent activity
An M4.7 earthquake struck 66 km WSW of Zhaotong, China at 16:53 UTC on Sep 10 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.6 earthquake struck 27 km WSW of Jiyuan, China at 10:51 UTC on Sep 9 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.2 earthquake struck 25 km NW of Sarupathar, India at 17:56 UTC on Sep 11 at a depth of 123 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does China have earthquakes?
In western China, the collision of the Indian Plate with Eurasia drives intense faulting across Tibet, Xinjiang, and Sichuan. Elsewhere, ancient faults within the continent reactivate, producing damaging intraplate earthquakes in regions such as North China.
How deadly have China's earthquakes been?
China has suffered some of history's deadliest earthquakes, including the 1556 Shaanxi earthquake, which killed an estimated 830,000 people — the highest death toll of any known earthquake. Dense populations and vulnerable housing have contributed to high tolls.
What was the biggest recent earthquake in China?
The May 12, 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, magnitude 7.9, killed about 87,000 people. The 1976 Tangshan earthquake (M7.6) killed roughly 250,000 and is among the deadliest of the 20th century.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.