One of the strongest earthquakes in many years has hit the western Mongolian district of Tonkhil on Friday. According the the United States Geological Survey (USGS) this earthquakes reached Magnitude 5.5 and it was centered approximately 30 kilometer south of the town Tonkhil, the only settlement nearby. 

Minor damage was caused there including broken windows and damaged walls. The Mongolian government confirmed damage to at least seven structures which makes it the first damaging quake in Mongolia in decades. 

Our Risklayer rapid disaster calculation expected a potential damaging shaking (Intensity VI +) for nearby areas including Tonkhil town. The observed damage can be considered as Intensity V to VI. However, the traditional use of yurts for residents in most parts of this town prohibited much structural damage.