A strong quake in south China kills 2 and triggers evacuation of 7,000

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Rescuers conduct search and rescue at a collapsed building following a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit in Liuzhou, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Li Hanchi/Xinhua via AP)

BEIJING — A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck south China’s Guangxi region early Monday, killing two people, toppling buildings and triggering the evacuations of thousands, state media reported.

Four others were injured, while more than 7,000 residents were evacuated from Liuzhou city.

The search for several missing residents wrapped up around midday Monday, after the last trapped person, a 91-year-old man, was found alive in good condition, authorities said.

Images aired by state broadcaster CCTV showed excavators clearing debris. At least 13 buildings collapsed, while landslides triggered by the quake blocked roads to the area, according to CCTV.

Train services around Liuzhou were canceled or delayed.

Earthquakes occasionally strike south China, with more intense ones usually occurring toward the mountainous west or the east, toward Taiwan. The most devastating recent earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 occurred in the southwestern Sichuan province in 2008, leaving more than 87,000 dead or missing.

The Associated Press