Earthquake in southern China leaves two dead and thousands evacuated

Monday 18 May 2026 - 09:15

A powerful earthquake struck southern China, killing two people and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as emergency teams rushed to affected areas. The earthquake, measured at magnitude 5.2, hit the Guangxi region and caused significant structural damage in several communities.

According to Chinese state media, the earthquake occurred during the night near the city of Liuzhou. Authorities confirmed that at least 13 buildings collapsed as a result of the tremor, while rescue operations continued in damaged neighborhoods.

The victims were identified as a married couple, a 63-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman. Emergency services and rescue teams, supported by search dogs, were deployed to search through debris and assist affected residents.

Officials stated that more than 7,000 people were evacuated from areas considered at risk. Videos broadcast by Chinese television showed residents leaving apartment buildings in panic while rescue workers searched destroyed homes and damaged streets.

China experiences regular seismic activity due to its geographical location and complex tectonic structure. Several regions of the country are vulnerable to earthquakes, particularly mountainous and western areas.

The latest disaster has renewed concerns about building safety and emergency preparedness in densely populated regions. Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and monitor the possibility of aftershocks.

In recent years, China has faced several deadly earthquakes. One of the most serious recent disasters occurred in Tibet in early 2025, when a major earthquake caused heavy destruction and significant loss of life.

Emergency response teams remain active in Guangxi as local authorities provide temporary shelter and humanitarian assistance to displaced residents.