6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes Tajikistan near China border

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook remote part of Tajikistan early Thursday near China's far western Xinjiang region.

According to the US Geological Survey, it was 67 kilometers (41 miles) west of Murghob, Tajikistan, and 20 kilometers (12 miles) below ground.

Mughrob is the district capital with a population of a few thousand people high in the Pamir Mountains and is home to Lake Sarez.


Located behind Lake Sarez is a natural dam deep in the Pamir mountains, and experts have warned the consequences will be catastrophic if the dam is breached.

The quake was strongly felt across the border in some areas of Kashgar prefecture and Kizilsu Kyrgyz autonomous prefecture in Xinjiang.

Reportedly, a 5.0-magnitude aftershock hit the area about 20 minutes after the initial quake, followed by a 4.6-magnitude quake.

Tajikistan is highly prone to natural disasters and has a long history of floods, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches and heavy snowfalls.

No casualties or damage has been reported so far, state media CCTV said, citing local information officers.

China Earthquake Networks Center said the quake was 7.2 magnitude and 10 kilometers (6 miles) deep.

It should be noted that measurements by different agencies often differ.