At least 16 people have been killed and 32 others injured after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck China’s southwestern Tibet region, destroying hundreds of homes and triggering emergency rescue operations.
The earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City at about 10:33 p.m. local time on Thursday, October 22, according to China’s state news agency, Xinhua. More than 300 houses collapsed, while authorities continued assessing the extent of the damage.
Of the 32 injured people, 11 were reported to be in serious condition, while 21 sustained minor injuries, according to figures released by local authorities early Friday.
The earthquake’s epicentre was in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area of northern Tibet, approximately 70 kilometres from the county seat of Baqen. The region’s rugged terrain and elevation of about 4,800 metres present additional challenges for emergency responders.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with more than 1,600 personnel mobilised to assist affected communities. Police officers and fire and rescue teams were deployed to search damaged buildings, evacuate residents and provide emergency assistance.
Authorities have also sent emergency supplies, including prefabricated housing, tents, beds and winter clothing, to support people displaced by the disaster. Railway services in affected areas were temporarily suspended as infrastructure inspections continued.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for maximum efforts to rescue survivors, treat the injured and minimise further casualties, according to reports.
The earthquake is among the strongest to hit the region in recent years. The full scale of the destruction remains under assessment as rescue and relief operations continue.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on casualties, damage to infrastructure and the needs of affected communities as more information becomes available.