Liuzhou City, located near two fault lines, experienced its worst earthquakes in centuries.
Two magnitude 5.2 earthquakes struck China’s southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Monday, triggering rockfalls and sinkholes. As of Tuesday, two people have been confirmed dead.
From Sunday to Monday, a total of five earthquakes over magnitude 3.0 were recorded, according to the National Earthquake Data Center. The strongest earthquakes — both of magnitude 5.2 — occurred at 12:21 a.m. and 9:44 p.m. on Monday in Liuzhou City. According to domestic media, an estimated 2.45 million people live within a 20-kilometer radius of the two epicenters.
The earthquakes are two of the highest magnitude in China this year. Though earthquakes of similar magnitude have struck Guangxi in recent years, the two recent quakes are the worst in magnitude to hit Liuzhou in 331 years.
A view of collapsed buildings in the aftermath of the earthquakes, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 18, 2026. VCG
The two reported dead were a married couple who worked as chicken vendors at a local farmers’ market in the town.
At least four others were injured and received medical treatment. Separately, a 91-year-old man was also rescued after being trapped for around 11 hours in a collapsed house. Domestic media reported that he is in stable condition.
At least 15 houses collapsed, while another 58 homes were damaged. The earthquakes also triggered 14 secondary disasters, including rockfalls and ground sinkholes. Three sinkholes were identified in Taiyangcun Town, near the epicenter, with one estimated to be more than three meters deep, according to domestic media.
A view of collapsed buildings in the aftermath of the earthquakes, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 18, 2026. VCG
All eight schools in Taiyangcun Town had suspended classes, but did not specify for how long. Authorities have set up 99 temporary shelters in the area, accommodating over 4,000 residents. Another 7,000 people have been relocated.
Liuzhou is located within two fault zones with relatively low seismic activity. The local earthquake administration told domestic media that the epicenter was located about 3 kilometers away from one of the faults.
Han Yanyan, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Center in Beijing, said the two earthquakes were the result of a release of tectonic pressure that had accumulated over a long period.
On social media, locals living in high-rises said the shaking felt “like riding waves.” Windows shattered, while several multistory houses collapsed within minutes.
Cracks on roads and walls in the aftermath of the earthquakes, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 18, 2026. VCG
The local earthquake administration told domestic media that the “riding waves” sensation was due to prolonged oscillations generated by the shallow earthquakes. It added that these seismic waves are similar to those experienced by tall buildings — which naturally sway — thus making the shaking more noticeable on higher floors.
Terrain conditions also amplified the tremors. Liuzhou is located in a karst region — an area characterized by limestone topography, underground caves, and a higher susceptibility to sinkholes. Authorities said the region’s geological conditions amplified the seismic waves, allowing the tremors to be felt across much of Guangxi.
Social media videos from last night showed residents parking their cars in open areas and sleeping in vehicles and tents to avoid potential aftershocks.
As of Tuesday afternoon, on-site search-and-rescue operations have concluded. Local emergency management authorities and the local earthquake bureau continue to monitor the area, and communications, power, water, gas, and transportation are currently operating normally.
Editor: Marianne Gunnarsson.
(Header image: Rescue workers walk past a damaged building following the earthquakes in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 18, 2026.VCG)
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