2001 Kunlun earthquake

2001 Kunlun earthquake
UTC time2001-11-14 09:26:10
ISC event2331800
USGS-ANSSComCat
Local date14 November 2001 (2001-11-14)
Local time17:26
Magnitude7.8 Mw
8.1 Ms
Depth15 km (9.3 mi)
Epicenter36°12′N 90°54′E / 36.200°N 90.900°E / 36.200; 90.900
FaultKunlun Fault
TypeStrike-slip, Supershear earthquake
Areas affectedChina
Max. intensityMMI X (Extreme)
Casualtiesnone

An earthquake occurred in China on 14 November 2001 at 09:26 UTC (17:26 local time), with an epicenter near Kokoxili, close to the border between Qinghai and Xinjiang in a remote mountainous region. With a magnitude of 7.8 Mw (8.1 Ms), it was the most powerful earthquake in China for 5 decades. No casualties were reported, presumably due to the very low population density and the lack of high-rise buildings. This earthquake was associated with the longest surface rupture ever recorded on land at the time, ~450 km.