4.4-magnitude earthquake hits north-eastern China, focus 10 km below ground

An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 on the Richter scale struck north-eastern China at 9.25 am Indian Standard Time (IST) on October 24, 2026, causing fear among residents once again. The ground is said to have shaken locally for a few seconds.

According to preliminary information from CISN and the International Seismological Centre, the focus of the quake was only 10 km below the surface. Its exact location was 34.180 degrees north latitude and 94.818 degrees east longitude. As the focus was close to the surface, the tremor was felt immediately in the area and many people ran out of their homes.

This part of China is considered highly sensitive geologically. Friction between the Indian tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate frequently causes earthquakes, big and small, here. A focus at a depth of 10 km is regarded as very shallow. For this reason, although the quake measured only 4.4, strong vibrations were felt in buildings and homes in the surrounding area.

No report of large-scale damage to property or loss of life has emerged so far. However, aftershocks, or smaller tremors that follow, are usually possible after a shallow earthquake. In view of this, local emergency rescue teams and the national disaster management department have begun inspections in the area.

Safety checks are being carried out on roads, bridges and the power supply system in the area around the epicentre. The local administration has asked residents to remain alert. Guidelines on the precautions to take during an earthquake have also been issued.

According to geologists, research is still under way into whether moderate earthquakes of this kind signal any larger geological activity ahead.