5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits China’s Liuzhou, Several Missing After Buildings Collapse

May 18, 2026

Beijing: A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Liuzhou city in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region early Monday, triggering building collapses, casualties, and large-scale evacuation efforts, according to Chinese authorities.

The earthquake hit Liunan district at around 12:21 a.m. local time at a depth of 8 kilometres, the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) said.

Authorities confirmed that at least two people were killed, one person remained missing, and several others were injured following the quake.

Multiple Buildings Collapse, Thousands Evacuated

Officials said at least 13 buildings collapsed in the affected areas after the tremors jolted Liuzhou and nearby cities, including Nanning, Wuzhou, Guigang and Hechi.

More than 7,000 residents were evacuated as emergency teams launched search-and-rescue operations in quake-hit zones.

According to state media reports, communication networks, electricity, water supply, gas services, and road transport systems remained operational despite the damage caused by the earthquake.

Emergency Response Activated Across Guangxi

Regional earthquake relief headquarters in Guangxi activated a Level-III emergency response shortly after the disaster, while China’s Ministry of Emergency Management launched a Level-IV national emergency response.

More than 300 rescue personnel along with dozens of fire and emergency vehicles were deployed to the affected areas to search for missing people, evacuate residents, and inspect damaged infrastructure, including bridges, roads, rail lines, and mines.

Authorities said rescue and damage assessment operations were continuing, while aftershocks were also being monitored closely.

The earthquake was reportedly felt in several nearby cities, and even Hong Kong authorities received multiple reports of mild tremors from residents.