1988 Lancang–Gengma earthquakes

1988 Lancang–Gengma earthquakes (澜沧-耿马地震)
1988 Lancang–Gengma earthquakes (China)
1988 Lancang–Gengma earthquakes (Yunnan)
UTC time1988-11-06 13:03:19
 1988-11-06 13:15:43
ISC event419867
 419869
USGS-ANSSComCat
 ComCat
Local date6 November 1988
Local time21:03
 21:15
MagnitudeMw 7.0
 Mw 6.9
Depth18 km (11 mi)
 15 km (9.3 mi)
EpicenterChina–Myanmar border region
22°47′20″N 99°36′40″E / 22.789°N 99.611°E / 22.789; 99.611
TypeStrike-slip
Areas affectedChina, Burma and Thailand
Total damageUS$270 million in 1988
Max. intensityCSIS IX (1st shock)

CSIS X (2nd shock)
LandslidesYes
ForeshocksYes
Aftershocks600+
Casualties748–939 fatalities, 7,700+ injured

On 6 November 1988, two earthquakes struck Lancang and Gengma counties, Yunnan, near the China–Myanmar border. These earthquakes measured moment magnitude (Mw) 7.0 and 6.9, respectively, spaced 12 minutes apart. These earthquakes were assigned a maximum China seismic intensity of IX and X, respectively. Between 748 and 939 people were killed; more than 7,700 were injured. Both earthquakes caused damage and economic losses estimated at CN¥ 2.05 billion (CN¥8 billion in 2023). Moderately large aftershocks continued to rock the region, causing additional casualties and damage.