On May 20th, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Artux City in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China. Residents in various parts of Xinjiang reported feeling the tremor.
The China Earthquake Networks Center officially determined that the earthquake occurred at 1:10 PM local time with a depth of 19 kilometers.
Netizens shared their experiences online, mentioning sensations of shaking in different locations such as Kashgar, Ak-su, Tumxuk, and Jia Shi.
Comments ranged from expressions of fear and shock to disbelief at the intensity of the earthquake. Some described how students fled from classrooms, while others expressed concerns about the frequent seismic activities in Xinjiang.
Later in the day, at 3:19 PM, a 3.0 magnitude aftershock hit Artux City.
This earthquake was preceded by a series of seismic events in the region, including a 3.6 magnitude tremor in Uqturpan County and a 4.6 magnitude quake in Yecheng County on May 19th. On May 18th, a 3.3 magnitude earthquake occurred in Aheqi County.
On April 10th, a significant 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Baicheng County in Ak-su Prefecture, with a depth of 16 kilometers. Prior to this earthquake, a large number of black insects appeared in the 143rd Regiment of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, leading to speculations among the public about them being a precursor to seismic activity. The authorities in Shihezi City sought expert opinions to dispel these rumors, but their efforts were refuted shortly after.
The series of earthquakes in Xinjiang have left residents on edge, prompting discussions on seismic preparedness and monitoring measures in the region. Despite the challenges posed by these natural occurrences, the community remains vigilant and resilient in the face of such seismic events.