Rapid disaster assessment of a M 6.8 earthquake in Dingri, Xizang, China

We conducted a rapid seismic intensity assessment of a M 6.8 earthquake in Dingri, Xizang, using a ground motion parameter attenuation model based on the shortest fault distance combined with either an empirical equation for the surface rupture length or data on the aftershocks that occurred within 1.5 ​hr after the earthquake. The assessment showed that the empirical equation for the relationship between the surface rupture length and magnitude established by Wells et al. yielded a surface rupture length that was closer to the actual value, while the seismic intensity determined using a combination of the ground motion parameter attenuation model and the empirical equation for the surface rupture length was relatively in line with the intensity from the actual investigation. This study also demonstrated that manual intervention and screening are needed for aftershocks within 1.5 ​hr after the earthquake if this information is to be employed in the intensity assessment. In addition, if the death assessment model does not consider the seismic vulnerability of local buildings, significant errors can occur in practice. Nevertheless, the disaster assessment results were obtained within 5 ​min after the earthquake, thus providing important data support for the government emergency command and decision-making associated with the emergency rescue response.