1985 Wuqia earthquake
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  | |
| UTC time | 1985-08-23 12:42:01 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 518737 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 23 August 1985 |
| Local time | 20:42:01 |
| Magnitude | Ms 7.4 |
| Depth | 6.8 km (4.2 mi) |
| Epicenter | 39°24′47″N 75°13′26″E / 39.413°N 75.224°E |
| Areas affected | China |
| Max. intensity | MMI VII (Very strong) |
| Casualties | 71 dead, 162 injured |
The 1985 Wuqia earthquake occurred on August 23, 1985, at 20:42 local time (12:42 UTC) near the border of Wuqia County and Shufu County, Xinjiang, China. It had a magnitude of Ms 7.4 and caused 71 deaths, 162 injuries, and left 15,000 homeless, as well as destroying 85% of buildings and highways.[1] The source of this earthquake is the Kazkeaerte Fault (卡兹克阿尔特断裂). The earthquake could be felt throughout much of the Fergana Basin, USSR, as well as in Pakistan.[2][1]
The slipping of the earth during this earthquake caused a deformation zone along the Kezilesu River valley stretching 15 kilometres (9+1⁄3 miles) long and 800 metres (1⁄2 mile) wide. The zone is made up of smaller faults, fissures, and pressure ridges.[3]