Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits Sichuan, China (Updated)
A shallow earthquake of M5.5 was registered at 05:17 UTC on October 9, 2025, approximately 210 km (130 miles) north of Daocheng, China. The seismic event had a focal depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), based on data provided by USGS.
The coordinates place the epicenter in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, at 99.9°E, 30.9°N. This region is characterized by a mountainous landscape with sparsely populated localities. Daocheng is the nearest significant town, located some 210 km (130 miles) south of the event.
Given the regional geography, nearby critical infrastructure may include limited provincial highways, rural roads, and possibly smaller regional airports. Energy infrastructure in such mountainous areas tends to be limited and dispersed.
As the earthquake occurred inland, there is no tsunami threat associated with this event, based on its location and available data.
Reports indicate a maximum estimated intensity of VIII on the Modified Mercalli scale, and the USGS has received 4 felt reports. The significance index is 469 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Sichuan Province lies near the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, where the Indian Plate collides with the Eurasian Plate, creating a well-known seismically active region. The area is subject to moderate and strong earthquakes due to active tectonic processes.
This information was last updated at 08:01 UTC on October 9, 2025.