This aerial photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows a view of Sayram Lake in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Sayram Lake is the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang.(Photo: Xinhua)

Six consecutive earthquakes hit the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region early Wednesday, with the largest reaching 5.4 magnitude. The epicenter of the largest quake was in an uninhabited area. No reports of casualties or collapsed buildings have been reported as of press time.

The series of earthquakes occurred between 2 to 3 am in the morning, with the largest quake reaching 5.4 magnitude at 10 kilometers deep and the smallest 3.2 magnitude, according to China Earthquake Networks Center. 

Nearby Artux city and Kashi Prefecture had experienced strong tremors, local fire departments have been mobilized and are on standby, while local emergency and public security departments are investigating the situation, China Central Television reported. 

Preliminary investigation showed the epicenter of the 5.4-magnitude quake is located in an uninhabited area. As of press time, local emergency management departments have not received any reports of casualties or collapsed buildings. Further verification of the situation is currently underway.

There is one village located within five kilometers of the epicenter. There are no urban centers located within 20 kilometers of the impact site. 

This is an ongoing story, further details to be updated.

Global Times