Tibet earthquake kills 16, destroys hundreds of homes
At least 16 people have been killed and 32 injured after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, according to preliminary reports published by Xinhua.
The earthquake struck Baqên County in Nagqu, where more than 300 homes collapsed, prompting a major emergency response. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Hundreds of emergency personnel deployed
Authorities dispatched 300 police officers and 347 firefighters and rescue personnel to the affected area.
Of the 32 injured, 11 remain in serious condition, while 21 people with minor injuries have received hospital treatment.
Rescue teams are continuing to search damaged buildings and assess the extent of the destruction.
Shallow earthquake strikes remote region
The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude 7.0 earthquake approximately 183 kilometres northeast of Nagqu, at a depth of around 10 kilometres. China’s Earthquake Networks Center also recorded the magnitude at 7.0.
The relatively shallow depth of the earthquake raises concerns about its impact on buildings and infrastructure in the affected area.
Tibet has suffered deadly earthquakes before
The disaster comes after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Tingri County in Tibet’s Shigatse city in January 2025, killing 120 people.
The latest earthquake has once again raised concerns about the vulnerability of communities in the mountainous region, where difficult terrain can complicate emergency response and rescue operations.
Source:AA
