A magnitude-4.0 earthquake struck Qinghe County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region earlier today, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center. The tremor occurred at 8:17 AM local time, with shallow epicenter depth of 10 kilometers.
Local authorities confirmed no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. 🏘️ 'Emergency teams are conducting thorough inspections of infrastructure,' said regional spokesperson Gulnur Samat. Residents described the quake as 'brief but noticeable,' comparing it to 'a heavy truck passing nearby.' 🚚💨
Xinjiang frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location along tectonic boundaries. This marks the third minor quake in the Altay prefecture this year. Scientists emphasize such events help release accumulated geological stress, potentially reducing risks of larger tremors.
Travelers planning visits to the region's stunning Kanas Lake or Altay Mountains should stay updated through official channels. 🌄📱 The area remains popular for winter sports and cultural tourism.
