Powerful 7.1 Earthquake Jolts China-Kyrgyzstan Border

'Significant damage is likely, and the disaster is potentially widespread.'

Powerful 7.1 Earthquake Jolts China-Kyrgyzstan Border

A massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the China-Kyrgyzstan border on Tuesday, causing extensive damage, according to the US Geological Survey.

According to TV broadcasters in New Delhi, India, locals reported experiencing powerful jolts from the earthquake, which occurred 1,400 km away.

At 2:00 a.m. local time, the earthquake struck 140 kilometers west of Aksu at a depth of 27 kilometers.

Three further earthquakes were recorded in the vicinity shortly thereafter, with magnitudes of 5.5, 5.1, and 5.0.

The USGS said injuries were probable, but none had been recorded in the rugged, remote area where the earthquake struck.

"Significant damage is likely, and the disaster is potentially widespread," the report said.

Tuesday's tremor occurred the day after a landslide buried scores of people and killed at least eight in southwest China.

A December earthquake in Gansu province killed 148 people and displaced others.

This was China's deadliest earthquake since 2014, when over 600 people were killed in southwestern Yunnan province.

Subzero temperatures during the December earthquake exacerbated the aid response as survivors crowded around outdoor fires to stay warm.