Seven‑Magnitude Quake Kills 16, Injures 32 in Tibet

Sixteen people died and thirty‑two were hurt when a magnitude‑7.0 earthquake hit China’s Tibet region late Thursday. The tremor struck at 10:33 p.m. local time (14:33 GMT) with its epicentre in Maru township of Baqen county, about 190 km east‑northeast of Nagqu and 390 km northeast of Lhasa. The quake was shallow, originating just ten kilometres below the ground, and occurred at an altitude of roughly 4,864 m. Authorities say at least 339 homes collapsed as a result of the shaking. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately and a level‑II disaster emergency response was activated. The Nagqu media office reported that search and rescue operations continued throughout the night. Township deputy head Lhawang Dagpo said the office building felt strong jolts and developed cracks in its walls. Among the injured, eleven people are in serious condition while the remaining twenty‑one sustained minor injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the magnitude and depth of the quake. Local officials have urged residents to stay away from damaged structures and to cooperate with relief workers. Relief supplies and medical aid are being moved into the affected area, and temporary shelters are being set up for those displaced.

Context

Earthquakes of this size are rare in the high‑altitude plateau of Tibet, but the region sits on several active fault lines. The shallow depth often leads to greater surface damage, explaining the high number of collapsed homes and casualties.