Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Strikes Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the directly-administered area of Haixi Prefecture in Qinghai Province at 5:36 a.m. Beijing Time on August 19, 2026, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).

Earthquake Parameters

The epicenter was located at 37.81 degrees north latitude and 95.63 degrees east longitude, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor occurred in the early morning hours when most residents would have been asleep.

Regional Seismic Context

This event occurred in the same general area as a more powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Haixi Prefecture on June 16, 2026. That earlier earthquake, centered approximately 18 kilometers from Dachaidan Town, resulted in one fatality, eight injuries, and prompted the evacuation and sheltering of about 3,000 affected residents.

Impact and Response

As of the latest reports, no immediate information has been released regarding casualties or structural damage from this specific 5.6-magnitude event. Local authorities are likely monitoring the situation and assessing any potential impacts.