China: Magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs in western Xinjiang Region April 12

A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurred in western Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) near the border with Kyrgyzstan at around 16:13 April 12. The epicenter was about 131 km (81 miles) west of Aykol. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout parts of western XUAR in China, eastern Kyrgyzstan, and far southeastern Kazakhstan. 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.