A 4.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Yongning County in northwest China's Yinchuan on Thursday around 10:00 (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.
The earthquake's epicenter was located at 38.4 degrees north latitude and 106.22 degrees east longitude, with a focal depth of approximately 10 kilometers.
A rescue team has been dispatched to aid local relief operations in the affected areas, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.
No casualties have been reported.
At 16:43 on Thursday, another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 jolted Jinfeng District in Yinchuan, the center said.
The epicenter of the second quake was located at 38.41 degrees north latitude and 106.26 degrees east longitude, according to the center. In response to the aftershock, many residents were evacuated to public squares, playgrounds, and other open areas, local sources reported.
The initial earthquake caused significant damage, collapsing the outer walls of multiple old residential buildings and injuring passersby. Several cultural relics were also damaged, according to reports.
The second earthquake resulted in further destruction, causing components of multiple old buildings to collapse.
Since 2024, Yinchuan has experienced at least seven earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.2 to 3.6.
4.8-magnitude earthquake hits northwest China's Ningxia
A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip, during an emergency United Nations (UN) Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza.
Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, called for an end to attacks on humanitarian workers, condemned annexation and forced relocation, and stressed that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Fu emphasized that the international community, especially the UN Security Council, must act urgently to prevent additional civilian casualties in Gaza.
China is also calling for an immediate ceasefire and the swift implementation of the ceasefire agreement. It demands that Israel lift the blockade on Gaza and restore access for humanitarian aid. Moreover, China condemns attacks on humanitarian workers and urges comprehensive investigations to ensure accountability, according to Fu.
"Restarting the conflict will only result in more bloodshed and hatred. It's not the right approach to free hostages. The best way to save lives and bring hostages home is to achieve a lasting ceasefire," said Fu.
Fu emphasized China opposes forced relocation and the annexation of Palestinian territories and supports the rebuilding of Gaza based on the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine."
He added that China will continue to advocate for an immediate ceasefire, work to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and promote the implementation of the two-state solution as key steps toward peace and stability in the region.
Furthermore, China voiced deep concern over the deteriorating conditions in the West Bank, asserting that Israel's evacuation of refugee camps and expansion of settlements contravene international law and demand immediate cessation.
Chinese envoy calls for immediate ceasefire, end to Gaza blockade at UN meeting
