Powerful 7.0-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Tibet, Killing 16 and Injuring 32

7.0-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Tibet, Killing 16 and Injuring 32; Hundreds of Homes Damaged

At least 16 people have died and 32 others have been injured after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck a remote area of China’s Tibet region on Thursday night, according to state-run news agency Xinhua, citing local authorities.

The earthquake struck at 10:33 pm local time, causing widespread damage in the affected region. More than 300 houses collapsed, while electricity and telecommunications services were disrupted. Emergency responders have been deployed to assist residents, conduct search-and-rescue operations and assess the extent of the destruction.

According to Xinhua, 11 of the injured people were in serious condition, while 21 suffered minor injuries as of 2:25 am on Friday. Authorities are continuing relief efforts as further assessments are carried out.

RESCUE TEAMS DEPLOYED AS DAMAGE ASSESSMENT CONTINUES
The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Maru township in Baqen county, within the Nagqu area of northern Tibet. The United States Geological Survey placed the epicentre approximately 190 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu and around 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, the regional capital.

Data from the China Earthquake Networks Center indicated that the earthquake originated at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometres. The affected area is mountainous, with an average elevation of about 4,864 metres near the epicentre, presenting additional challenges for rescue personnel.

Local authorities activated a Level-II emergency response for earthquake disasters and dispatched firefighters and rescue teams to affected communities. Officials are working to locate those requiring assistance, provide medical care to the injured and evaluate structural damage.

Lhawang Dagpo, deputy head of Maru township, told Xinhua that the tremors were strongly felt at the township office, where cracks appeared in the walls.

Footage released by Chinese state media showed residents rushing out of their homes and gathering in open spaces or remaining in parked vehicles for safety. Smaller tremors measuring approximately magnitude 3 and 4 were also recorded in surrounding areas following the main earthquake.

TIBET AND WESTERN CHINA VULNERABLE TO EARTHQUAKES
The latest earthquake highlights the seismic risks faced by mountainous areas of western China, where powerful tremors have caused significant casualties and destruction in the past.

According to reports, the earthquake was the strongest to strike China since January 2024. The region’s complex geological setting makes it vulnerable to seismic activity, with remote settlements and difficult terrain often complicating emergency response efforts.

In January 2025, a powerful earthquake struck Tingri county in Tibet, killing at least 126 people and damaging buildings across rural communities.

Another devastating earthquake hit neighbouring Qinghai province in 2010. The magnitude 7.1 tremor killed at least 2,698 people, while nearly 300 others were reported missing.

The latest disaster has prompted an extensive emergency response in northern Tibet, with rescue workers continuing operations as authorities assess the impact on local communities and essential infrastructure.