A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck northern Tibet, killing at least 16 people, injuring 54 and collapsing at least 339 homes as search-and-rescue operations continued, authorities said.
The earthquake hit at 10:33 p.m. local time on Thursday, Oct. 22, near the high-altitude city of Nagqu, according to The Associated Press, citing Nagqu authorities and Chinese state media.
The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter about 191 kilometers, or 119 miles, east-northeast of Nagqu at a depth of approximately 18 kilometers. At least seven aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.3 to 5.2 followed the main quake.
More Than 1,600 People Join Rescue Effort
Authorities said 20 livestock sheds also collapsed. Emergency supplies delivered to the affected area included 1,000 prefabricated housing units, about 3,000 tents and folding beds, as well as flashlights and warm clothing.
Communications were disrupted in some areas. Railway service through the affected zone was suspended, while a section of National Highway 317 was closed because of rockfalls, with access restricted to rescue and official vehicles.
Forecast snowfall over the next three days could complicate rescue work. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to mobilize all necessary resources for rescue operations and medical care.
Reuters reported that the earthquake was China’s strongest since January 2024. Nagqu is located more than 300 kilometers north of the regional capital, Lhasa.