6.5 magnitude earthquake in Xinjiang

Xinjiang - a region in western China - just suffered a 6.5-magnitude earthquake in the early morning of July 3, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Xinjiang is an earthquake-prone region of China - Photo: chinadaily.com.cn.

The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 km, 94 km northwest of Yilkiqi city and 160 km northwest of Hotan city, according to the USGS.

Initial information from the China Earthquake Networks Center said the earthquake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale, according to Xinhua.

There is currently no information on casualties or damage.

Recently, on June 25, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in Xinjiang.

The Toksun County earthquake also struck in the early morning hours and was at a depth of 9 km. Geologists say it appears the Xinjiang region is experiencing multiple seismic movements that could trigger a dangerous earthquake.

Earthquakes at depths of 0-70 km are considered shallow earthquakes and are very destructive.

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The July 2 earthquake was the eighth earthquake in Xinjiang this year, according to data from the China Earthquake Networks Center.

“Global warming and fuel demand in China have caused fossil fuel extraction to overheat, affecting geological layers and possibly causing earthquakes,” a study published in the American Journal of Geological Survey said.

(According to Chinadaily/TTO)