[1] The Xiaojiang Fault Zone represents the southeastern part of the Sichuan–Yunnan tectonic block's eastern boundary.

[2] The earthquake produced an 82 km (51 mi) surface rupture along the eastern segment of the northern Xiaojiang Fault Zone.

Approximately 9 m (30 ft) of sinistral offset represented the largest strike-slip displacement from the earthquake.

Cui Naiyong, an official in Dongchuan, said about 40 people died in the larger towns of Bigu, Awang and Xiaojiang.

At Huize, temples and administrative buildings were razed, nearly all fortification along the north and south city walls were destroyed.