Mild Earthquake Strikes Yunnan's Dali Prefecture, Prompting Emergency Response and Widespread Concern
A 5.0-magnitude earthquake hit Yunnan's Dali Prefecture, specifically in Eryuan County, at 4:31 am on June 5. The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 18 kilometers away from the Eryuan County seat. The nearby villages reported strong tremors, with some residents being jolted awake by the quake. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the earthquake's epicenter was located at 26.26 degrees north latitude and 100.03 degrees east longitude. The average elevation of the area within a 5-kilometer radius of the epicenter is approximately 2,602 meters.
5 June 2025
Historical data from the China Earthquake Networks Center shows that there have been 118 earthquakes with a magnitude of 3 or above in the surrounding 200-kilometer area over the past five years, with the largest being a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 21, 2021, in Dali's Yangbi County, about 68 kilometers away from the current epicenter. The earthquake was felt in multiple locations, including Dali City, Eryuan County, and Heqing County, with residents reporting significant shaking.
In response to the earthquake, the Eryuan County government has activated a level-III emergency response, and rescue teams from the Yunnan Fire Department and local authorities have been dispatched to the epicenter. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or injuries. The nearby villages, including Liandu Village, Lishiyang Village, and Sandao Village, are being assessed for damage, and the full extent of the earthquake's impact is still being evaluated.
Following the earthquake, numerous local netizens reported being jolted awake, describing the seismic sensation as intense. The China Earthquake Warning Network automatically generated a warning message, which was disseminated to approximately 23,000 people in the vicinity of the epicenter through the "China Earthquake Network" WeChat mini-program. Of those, 1,115 individuals received a strong reminder, ensuring they were alerted to take necessary precautions. This swift response underscored the effectiveness of China's earthquake warning system in providing critical seconds for those in the affected area to seek safety.
The earthquake triggered an early warning alert through the "China Earthquake Networks" WeChat mini-program, which was sent to approximately 23,000 people in the surrounding areas of the epicenter. A total of 1,115 people received a strong reminder, prompting netizens to take notice of the earthquake early warning system. The timely alert allowed residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions, highlighting the importance of the early warning system in mitigating the impact of earthquakes. As the system continues to evolve, it is likely to play a crucial role in saving lives and reducing damage in the event of future seismic activity.
The social media landscape was filled with expressions of concern and well-wishes for the people of Dali. Netizens hoped that the earthquake would not result in significant loss of life or property damage. Many took to platforms like Weibo and WeChat to share information, check in on friends and family in the affected area, and offer support in any way they could. The outpouring of support underscored the strength of community in China, where people quickly come together in times of need.
