M5.0 Earthquake 261 km SSE of Dunhuang, China — June 16, 2026
2026-06-16 11:14:17 UTC (2 hours ago) · approx. 5:14 PM UTC+6 local
Aftershock of the M5.4 mainshock.
On June 16, 2026 at 11:14 UTC, a magnitude 5.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 261 km SSE of Dunhuang, China, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 37.8819°, 95.4313°. This earthquake was detected by 116 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 385, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 477 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.7 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.4 mainshock that occurred 3 hours ago 277 km S of Dunhuang, China. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
95.4313°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Dunhuang, China?
The magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck 261 km SSE of Dunhuang, China on June 16, 2026 at 11:14 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at 37.8819°, 95.4313°, which is 261 km SSE of Dunhuang, China.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.0 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.4 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.0 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.4 mainshock that occurred earlier 277 km S of Dunhuang, China. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000stdb). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, June 16, 2026). M5.0 Earthquake 261 km SSE of Dunhuang, China — June 16, 2026. Retrieved June 16, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000stdb/