Left-lateral strike-slip motion squeezes the crustal blocks of the Tibetan Plateau outwards, forcing it to move eastwards.

Meanwhile, the strike-slip motion also results in east–west extension of the plateau, causing normal faults to break within the thickened crust.

Restraining bends or zones of transpression have been previously thought to arrest or cease an earthquake rupture.

The restraining bend measuring 30° displayed extensional tectonics was not effective and failed to arrest the rupture.

[5] A maximum coseismic slip of 5–6 m (16–20 ft) was measured along a preserved surface rupture on the Zemuhe Fault.

[2] Rupture on the southern section of the Anninghe Fault also resulted in a zone of high-intensity shaking assigned VII–VIII.

[6] In Xichang, the meizoseismal area, the city walls were torn down, and three gate towers collapsed.

Many homes constructed of thatched and ceramic tiles were destroyed and rubble occupied the streets.

Major liquefaction events such as the ejection of water and sand occurred at Beishan Mountains, Qiong Lake and the Anning River.