On August 16 at 16:46, a 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck Datong City, Shanxi Province, followed shortly by a 3.5 magnitude tremor at 16:47, causing tremors felt by residents in various areas. Officials reported no casualties or significant property damage.
The China Earthquake Networks Center revealed that the first earthquake with a magnitude of 3.8 occurred in Yunzhou District of Datong City, Shanxi Province (latitude 39.94 degrees, longitude 113.48 degrees) at a depth of 11 kilometers.
Shortly after, the China Earthquake Networks Center issued another statement confirming a 3.5 magnitude earthquake at 16:47 in the same Yunzhou District of Datong City, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
The two earthquakes in Yunzhou District of Datong City occurred within just one minute of each other.
Residents in Pingcheng District of Datong City reported feeling the tremors distinctly, with one saying, “I was awoken by the shaking while sleeping, thinking I was dizzy.”
Some netizens from Shanxi mentioned feeling the tremors in Pingshan Lu District of Shuozhou City, with a sensation of their houses swaying.
Netizens from Hebei Province disclosed that while watching TV, they received an alert warning on the screen.
As of now, local authorities have not received any reports of casualties or significant property damage.
Experts on seismic activity noted that the earthquakes were of moderate magnitude with relatively deep epicenters (11 and 10 kilometers respectively), limiting their impact on surface buildings. However, Shanxi Province is situated in the seismically active North China seismic zone with complex geological structures. Residents are advised to enhance their earthquake preparedness, store emergency supplies at home, and be familiar with rapid evacuation procedures. In case of another earthquake, follow the principle of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” to ensure personal safety.