Tibet Quake Leaves Dozens Hurt and Homes Shattered
A major tremor in northern Tibet has claimed lives, injured many, and left residents in need of shelter.
By Luana Sato ·
A powerful earthquake has struck the Tibet region of China, causing significant damage to housing and infrastructure. Officials report at least 16 fatalities and 46 injuries resulting from the event. The tremor has disrupted daily life for residents in the area, with reports indicating that hundreds of homes have collapsed. Emergency response teams are currently active in the region to address the situation.
The seismic event was registered at magnitude 7. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 10:33 p.m. local time to a depth of 18 kilometers. The epicenter was located 191 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu. This location is a high-altitude, sparsely populated area in northern Tibet. CCTV, China's national broadcaster, has described the event as the largest earthquake to hit the region in the past five years.
Damage has been concentrated around the northern regional city of Nagqu. The Nagqu media office, citing city government officials, reported that at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds have collapsed. Regarding the injuries, 11 people are in serious condition, while the remaining 35 sustained minor injuries. Search and rescue operations are still underway to locate any individuals who may be trapped.
Authorities have mobilized a large-scale response to the disaster. Over 1,600 people from the local county have been deployed to assist in rescue efforts. Relief supplies have been dispatched to the affected region. These supplies include 1,000 prefabricated housing units, approximately 3,000 tents and folding beds, along with flashlights and winter clothing for those displaced.
Logistical challenges are complicating the situation on the ground. Xinhua reported that communication services are down in parts of the region. Local railway authorities took emergency action to stop trains from passing through the affected area. The earthquake also triggered rockfalls, which led officials to close a section of National Highway 317. Currently, only emergency, rescue, and official support vehicles are being allowed through while crews clear debris.
Weather conditions are also a concern for the ongoing operations. Xinhua has stated that intermittent snow is expected across the quake zone over the next three days. This forecast could impact both the rescue efforts and the living conditions for those who have lost their homes. The combination of structural damage, communication outages, and adverse weather presents a difficult environment for the population.
Nagqu is located more than 300 kilometers north of Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. The region is known for its high altitude and sparse population density. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the specific coordinates and depth of the event. The incident has resulted in a significant loss of life and property in a remote area of China.
