Homes collapsed and widespread destruction ensued, with footage showing rubble littering the streets. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake on Monday night, initially stating a 6.0 magnitude before adjusting the figure.

Emergency services, including fire departments, were mobilized, and provincial authorities are attending to the situation. Situated near Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu, the quake was also followed by several aftershocks. Earthquakes frequently occur in China; a similar event in August resulted in injuries and structural damage.