A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck early on Thursday near China’s far western Xinjiang region in a sparsely populated, remote area of Tajikistan, according to officials . There were no reported accidents or losses.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicentre was 20 kilometres (12 miles) below ground and located 67 kilometres (41 miles) west of Murghob, Tajikistan.
High in the Pamir Mountains, Mughrob—which has a population of a few thousand—is the district capital.
In some areas of Kashgar prefecture and Kizilsu Kyrgyz autonomous prefecture in Xinjiang, the quake was felt strongly across the border, but no injuries or property damage have yet been reported, according to state media CCTV, which cited local information officers.
China’s Earthquake Networks Center said the quake was magnitude 7.2 and 10 kilometers (6 miles) deep. Measurements by different agencies often differ.
Five aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.6 to 5 followed later on Thursday morning, with their epicenters likewise located west of Murghob, Tajikistan’s state Khovar agency reported.
A further magnitude 5 quake was recorded in the early afternoon 86 kilometers (53 miles) west of the city, Tajik State Emergencies Committee spokeswoman Umeda Yusufi said. Neither referenced any injuries or damage.