M3.4
Depth:
10.0 km
M3.4 Earthquake near Qaidam, Qinghai (China)
About this earthquake
On August 18, 2026 at 21:59 UTC, a magnitude M3.4 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 are often felt but rarely cause damage.
The event was recorded by EMSC. China: over the past 24 hours, QuakeMap24 logged 3 earthquakes, the strongest at M5.2.
Map
Depth profile
Shallow
10 km
10 km — shallower than the regional average (18.8 km)
Regional average: 18.8 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
Historic earthquake map · China
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Country statistics · China
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Stats (last 24h)
Global (24h)
968
Country (24h)
China
3