M6.4 earthquake - Southern Qinghai, China

What happened

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Southern Qinghai, China on 20 Aug 1986, 21:23 UTC at a depth of 33 km.

Earthquakes of this size are classed as Strong. Can cause damage in populated areas up to tens of kilometres away. This was a shallow earthquake, which tends to be felt more strongly at the surface.