USGS Reviews Dunhuang Earthquake Magnitude to 5.9
The United States Geological Survey has reviewed the magnitude of an earthquake 269 km SSE of Dunhuang, China, setting it at 5.9.
3 reports on this incident · first at Aug 18, 2026, 6:11 p.m. ET
Earthquake records are revised. Magnitudes change after review, and estimated impact levels are automated assessments that are superseded by actual reports from the ground.
We last searched for new coverage of this at Aug 18, 2026, 8:11 p.m. ET — checked 52 min ago.
Earlier reports
Aug 18, 2026, 6:23 p.m. ET
USGS Issues Yellow Impact Level for Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake in China
The estimated impact level for a magnitude 5.9 earthquake near Dunhuang, China, has been set to yellow as assessments firmed up, according to records from the United States Geological Survey. A yellow impact level indicates that some casualties and localised damage are estimated to be possible.
The earthquake occurred on August 18, 2026, at a location 269 km SSE of Dunhuang, China. According to United States Geological Survey records, the event had a reviewed magnitude of 5.9, an instrumental intensity of 7.1, and a shallow depth of 10 km.
The official record shows that tsunami evaluation was not flagged.
Aug 18, 2026, 6:11 p.m. ETFirst report
Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Dunhuang, China
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck 269 km SSE of Dunhuang, China, on August 18, 2026, at 21:36:29 UTC, according to records from the United States Geological Survey. The situation remains developing. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km within a shallow depth band. Official records list a reviewed magnitude of 5.9 and an instrument intensity of 7.1. The United States Geological Survey issued an estimated impact level of yellow, meaning some casualties and localised damage are estimated to be possible. A tsunami evaluation was not flagged.
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Revision history
- Version 118 Aug 2026, 22:23current
First published.
- Version 118 Aug 2026, 22:11current
First published.
- Version 118 Aug 2026, 22:54current
First published.
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