Magnitude 6.8 Earthquake Strikes China-Tajikistan Border: Updates and Impacts

 

Courtesy: WashingtonExaminer.com

On February 12, 2021, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake was reported on the China-Tajikistan border. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) with the epicentre located 210 kilometres (130 miles) west of Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe.

The earthquake was initially reported as a magnitude 7.2 but was later revised to 6.8 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Despite the downgrade in magnitude, the earthquake still caused significant damage and resulted in multiple fatalities.

According to reports, the earthquake was felt across a wide area, including parts of Tajikistan, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In Tajikistan, the earthquake caused several buildings to collapse, including a school and a hospital. The country's Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that at least four people were killed and over 50 others were injured.

In China, the earthquake was felt in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which borders Tajikistan. No casualties were immediately reported, but the earthquake caused damage to homes and other buildings in the area.

Courtesy: India Today

The earthquake also triggered landslides in the mountainous region, which made it difficult for rescue teams to access affected areas. In addition, the earthquake disrupted communication networks in the affected areas, further complicating rescue efforts.

Earthquakes are not uncommon in this region of the world, which is part of the seismically active Himalayan belt. This area is prone to earthquakes due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The collision of these plates has led to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range and continues to cause earthquakes in the region.

Overall, the magnitude 6.8 earthquake on the China-Tajikistan border was a reminder of the ongoing seismic activity in the region and the importance of disaster preparedness and response.