A powerful earthquake struck China’s Tibet region late Thursday, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens. The magnitude 7 tremor hit the northern city of Nagqu, according to Chinese state media.
The earthquake caused significant damage in nearby communities. Rescue teams have been mobilised to reach affected areas and assist residents as authorities assess the destruction.
Hundreds of Homes Damaged
The earthquake struck at around 10:33 pm local time on Thursday. Its epicentre was located in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area of northern Tibet.
Local authorities reported that at least 339 homes collapsed. The disaster also damaged buildings in villages near the epicentre, while some structures developed visible cracks.
Of the 32 injured people initially reported, 11 were in serious condition. The remaining 21 suffered minor injuries, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency teams, including firefighters and local rescue personnel, have been deployed to the affected region. Authorities are working to assess damage and provide assistance to people whose homes were affected.
Videos released by state media showed residents leaving their homes and seeking shelter outdoors or inside parked vehicles during the tremors.
Meanwhile, several smaller earthquakes, ranging between magnitudes 3 and 4, were recorded in surrounding areas after the main shock.
High-Altitude Location Complicates Response
The earthquake struck a remote mountainous area with an average elevation of approximately 4,864 metres near the epicentre. The difficult terrain could complicate access for emergency workers.
The epicentre was around 400 kilometres from Lhasa, the regional capital. The earthquake was the strongest to hit China since January 2024, according to reports.
Authorities continue to assess the situation as rescue operations proceed. Further updates may clarify the full extent of casualties and damage across the affected communities.
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