A strong earthquake measuring magnitude 7.0 struck China's Tibet region on Thursday night, killing at least 16 people and wounding dozens of others and bringing hundreds of homes down in one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in 5 years.
The powerful earthquake caused panic, damaged residential buildings and forced thousands to flee as rescue workers worked to reach out to the areas affected to be evacuated as well as the mountain areas. The earthquake struck on Thursday at 10:33 p.m. in the remote, high-altitude region of Nagqu in northern Tibet, where the mountains and hills are remote, high mountains of the Tibetan plateau. So far, 16 people have died, and thousands are injured.
The earthquake has already been heavily destructive to neighbouring villages, with at least 339 houses in the vicinity and 20 livestock sheds collapsed, and others destroyed. Other buildings were also damaged, and there are also concerns about the safety of people returning to them.
The epicentre of the earthquake was located about 191 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu, according to the Associated Press. The earthquake was about 18 kilometres deep and was a significant seismic event that can damage vulnerable settlements. The area is sparsely populated and at high altitude and the weather is very bad and difficult to respond in the area. Neighbours rushed out of their homes during the shaking; some took refuge in cars and open areas to avoid falling debris.
The earthquake also injured several people, with recent reports indicating that the number of injured has risen to 65. Emergency workers have been dispatched to the affected areas and authorities are checking out the damaged buildings and the buildings that might be more dangerous.
Around 12,000 people have been relocated to safer areas. Rescue and relief teams have also been sent to the affected areas to help residents, supply essential supplies and ensure that vulnerable families receive help. Work is also being done to assess the extent of the damage and to determine whether more evacuations are needed. The situation is still under close monitoring as officials continue to gather information from the remote villages.
JUST IN: At least 16 dead, 32 injured and hundreds of homes collapsed after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Tibet, China, officials say. https://t.co/2nTZ5BL4CU
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) October 22, 2026
The earthquake has also triggered hundreds of aftershocks, raising concerns for residents and rescue workers. After the main earthquake, approximately 413 aftershocks were recorded by the China Earthquake Networks Centre. Some of the tremors were strong enough to be felt by residents in the affected area. Emergency teams continue to assess the damage at damaged buildings and identify people who may need more help.
There is also the possibility of more tremors, and residents should be cautious and avoid going to buildings that have suffered structural damage. Communication disruptions and transportation problems have also been reported in some areas, and rockfalls have affected sections of highways, making rescue operations more difficult.
The high-altitude nature of the earthquake has raised concerns about the effect of severe weather on relief efforts. Snowfall is expected in the coming days, and emergency workers may struggle to reach isolated settlements and deliver supplies. Authorities have deployed emergency provisions and temporary shelters, tents, beds and winter clothing to help displaced residents.
More than 1,600 personnel have also been deployed as part of the wider rescue and relief effort in the area, a report says. China's President Xi Jinping also ordered for maximum efforts to rescue people, provide medical care to the injured and ensure the safety of the affected communities at the forefront of the rescue and relief response. Officials said they are working to coordinate relief efforts and to evaluate what the residents who have lost their homes need for their families.
The latest earthquake is the strongest to hit the region in five years and indicates the seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan region. Tibet is located in a region where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, and this has meant that earthquakes are frequent throughout the region. Once again, the disaster has raised concern about the safety of communities living in remote mountainous areas, where buildings may not withstand strong earthquake strikes.
In the next few days, damage assessments, rescue operations and emergency response will continue, both on the ground and in the region. With at least 16 confirmed deaths, 65 reported injuries, and hundreds of houses damaged or destroyed, the earthquake has left a significant impact on northern Tibet. As officials monitor aftershocks and weather conditions, and the chances of additional damage are on the rise, rescue teams are on alert.
Comments
Leave a Comment