Tibet Earthquake Toll Climbs as 65 Injured and Rescue Crews Rush Aid

UPDATE - follow-up to Tibet earthquake LIVE | Injuries in Tibet rise to 65 after 7.0 earthquake, death toll at 16: The number of people hurt in the major 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit China's Tibet region has risen to 65, while the death count remains at 16.

Rescue Operations

Emergency workers are racing to help affected residents following the destruction of at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds. More than 1,600 people from the local county have joined the search teams, alongside over 300 police officers who are checking for damage and moving people to safer places. Relief supplies including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, around 3,000 tents and folding beds, winter clothing, and flashlights have reached the region.

Travel Disruptions

Railway authorities have halted train services through the zone affected by the tremor. Rockfalls triggered by the shaking forced officials to close a section of National Highway 317, letting only emergency and official support vehicles pass while work crews clear the debris. Power and telecoms services also faced disruptions in the county seat, and forecasters expect intermittent snow in the region over the coming three days.

Context

This strong tremor struck at a shallow depth in a mountainous and high-altitude area, making relief work difficult as rescue teams battle rough terrain and harsh weather. Large earthquakes in such regions often cause widespread damage to traditional homes and block mountain roads with falling rocks.