Earthquake in eastern China knocks down houses and injures at least 21, but no deaths reported

An earthquake struck eastern China before dawn on Sunday, causing damage to houses and injuring at least 21 people, but fortunately, no fatalities were reported, according to state media. The earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 5.5 according to the China Earthquake Networks Center and 5.4 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, occurred near the city of Dezhou, approximately 300 kilometers (185 miles) south of Beijing, at 2:33 a.m.

As a result of the quake, 126 homes collapsed, and 21 individuals sustained injuries, as reported by China Central Television and other news outlets. Videos on social media showed residents of Dezhou seeking safety outdoors, with fallen bricks and cracked walls evident in the aftermath.

Authorities have been inspecting train lines for potential damage, and gas service in some areas was shut off due to pipe damage. The earthquake’s depth was approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) below the surface.

Although tremors were felt in parts of Beijing, no damage was found in the capital city. The earthquake’s shallow depth contributed to its strong impact, according to Abreu Paris, a geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center.

Dezhou and the surrounding area, under the administration of the city, are home to around 5.6 million people, according to the city government website. As authorities assess the extent of the damage, relief efforts and support will likely be provided to those affected by the earthquake.

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