The earthquake in Myanmar has also affected southwestern China, particularly the Yunnan province, where tremors were felt and some injuries and house damage were reported. However, the severity of the damage in southwestern China from this specific event appears to be relatively limited compared to other recent natural disasters in the region.
In recent years, southwestern China has faced severe weather conditions, including heavy rains and flash floods, which have caused significant damage and loss of life. For instance, in 2023, torrential rains in Chongqing and other parts of southwestern China resulted in floods and geological disasters, affecting over 130,000 people and causing substantial economic losses12. Flash floods in Sichuan province also led to a rise in the death toll and extensive property damage2.
While the current earthquake’s impact in southwestern China seems less severe than these previous events, it highlights the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The region’s geography, with its mountainous terrain makes it prone to landslides and other geological hazards, which can be exacerbated by earthquakes and heavy rainfall.