A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern China on Sunday, injuring at least 10 people and collapsing several buildings, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake, which struck at 2:33 a.m. local time (1833 GMT Saturday), was centered 26 kilometers (16 miles) south of the city of Dizhou in Shandong province, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Videos shared on social media by residents in the area show light fixtures swaying, the ground shaking, and people evacuating their buildings.
The earthquake’s impact was felt in cities as far away as Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai, highlighting its significant reach.
Reports from Shandong authorities, released by state broadcaster CCTV, confirmed that at least 10 people were injured and 74 houses or buildings collapsed due to the earthquake. The initial quake was followed by 52 aftershocks, raising concerns among residents.
Social media platforms were flooded with accounts of the magnitude of the earthquake, with one person sharing, “The earthquake was so intense… My head was shaking on the pillow during the earthquake, I thought I was having a nightmare. I am.” Another person expressed his dismay, saying, “All I can say is it’s horrible.”
In particular, earthquakes are not uncommon in China, but they rarely affect the eastern part of the country, which is densely populated and home to large cities.
This event has raised questions about the preparedness of these regions for seismic activity. In response, an official from the Shandong Seismological Bureau sought reassurance, stating that the likelihood of a major earthquake is “very low” as reported by local media outlets.
As officials assess the damage and provide aid to those affected, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters and the need for constant vigilance and preparedness in vulnerable areas.
