Strong 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tibet, Leaving Sixteen Dead

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck China's Tibet region late Thursday night, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens of others.

Search and Rescue

According to state media reports citing city government officials, rescue efforts are continuing after at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed. Among the 46 total injured reported, 11 people are in serious condition while the rest sustained minor injuries. More than 1,600 people from the local county have been deployed for rescue work. Supplies including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, roughly 3,000 tents and folding beds, winter clothing, and flashlights have arrived in the affected area.

Damage And Disruption

The U.S. Geological Survey stated that the quake struck at 10:33 p.m. with its epicenter in a mountainous area of Maru township in Baqen county, located about 190 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu and 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa. China's national broadcaster CCTV noted it was the biggest earthquake in the region in the last five years. Township deputy head Lhawang Dagpo reported that the quake was clearly felt at the township office, which sustained cracks in its walls. Power and telecommunications services were disrupted in parts of the county seat, and local railway authorities halted trains passing through the region. Additionally, rockfalls forced authorities to close a section of National Highway 317 to regular traffic, permitting only emergency and rescue vehicles.

Context

High-altitude mountainous regions like Tibet are seismically active zones prone to major tectonic movements that frequently trigger strong earthquakes. Rescue operations in these remote areas often face major hurdles due to harsh terrain, cold weather, and damaged infrastructure. Local authorities have activated a level-II earthquake disaster emergency response as teams work to clear debris and assist survivors.