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M5.2 Depth: 10.0 km

M5.2 Earthquake near Qaidam, Qinghai (China)

UTC time: 2026-06-30 23:44:55 UTC Local time: —
M5.2 earthquake near Qaidam on Jun 30, 2026 — map of epicenter and shaking intensity | QuakeMap24
M5.2 Earthquake near Qaidam, Qinghai (China) · 2026-06-30 23:44:55 UTC

About this earthquake

On June 30, 2026 at 23:44 UTC, a magnitude M5.2 earthquake occurred near Qaidam, Qinghai (China). The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 10 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this magnitude can damage poorly built structures.

The data is provided by USGS and cross-checked across seismological networks. China: over the past 24 hours, QuakeMap24 logged 2 earthquakes, the strongest at M5.2.

Details

Magnitude
M5.2
Depth
10.0 km
UTC time
2026-06-30 23:44:55 UTC
Local time
—
Country
China
State
Qinghai
City
Qaidam
County
Da Qaidam
Source
usgs
Coordinates
37.81600, 95.42690
Temperature
-3.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 10 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 10 km
Shallow
10 km
10 km — shallower than the regional average (20.9 km)
Regional average: 20.9 km
Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Estimated impact

Yellow Local impact possible.
Estimated population exposed
IV 10'808
VI 7'810

≈ 7'810 people experienced strong to very strong shaking.

Ground shaking

VII
Very strong · Intensity (MMI) VII
Moderate damage possible.

Tectonic context

Located on the Eurasia Plate.
Near the boundary Eurasia ↔ India · about 1071 km away

Nearby population centers

Distances are straight-line distances from the epicenter. Population data: GeoNames.

PlaceDistanceDirectionPopulation
Golmud Town163.2 kmS31'941
Dunhuang269.2 kmN186'027
Zhangye455.3 kmE507'433

GeoNames · CC BY 4.0

Comparison of seismic sources

4 sources currently report magnitudes from M5.0 to M5.2.

Measurements can differ because agencies use different networks and calculation methods. Values may be revised.

SourceMagnitudeDepthPosition difference
USGSM5.210.0 km0.0 km
GFZM5.210.0 km10.5 km
SERBIA_RSZM5.010.0 km2.8 km
EMSCM5.235.0 km8.5 km

Historical context nearby

Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 150 km.

Magnitude rank#12
Earlier events M≥448
Earlier events M≥523
Compared since2025-11-28

The QuakeMap24 comparison dataset begins on 2024-03-23. Earlier earthquakes may not be included.

Strongest earlier events

M6.42026-06-16 09:06:55 UTC12.4 kmQaidam M6.32026-06-16 09:06:56 UTC14.2 kmQaidam M6.32026-06-16 09:06:56 UTC17.0 kmQaidam M6.32026-06-16 09:06:55 UTC8.4 kmQaidam M6.32026-06-16 09:06:55 UTC21.5 kmQinghai, China

Historic earthquake map · China

Open history map
Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · China

Country overview
View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

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