Magnitude 7 earthquake kills at least 16 in Tibet region
A powerful earthquake struck China's Tibet region on Thursday, destroying hundreds of homes and injuring dozens of people.
At a glance
- Magnitude 7 earthquake struck Baqên County in Tibet's Nagqu region on Thursday evening
- At least 16 killed, 56 injured, with 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds destroyed
- Rockfall and power outages are hampering rescue efforts in the high-altitude region
- The area is prone to seismic activity; a 6.2 magnitude quake killed over 120 in nearby Gansu province in 2023
A magnitude 7 earthquake hit Baqên County in the Nagqu region of Tibet on Thursday evening, killing at least 16 people and injuring 56 others, according to state media. At least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed in the affected area, which is located 400 kilometres northeast of Lhasa.
Authorities declared an emergency and deployed rescue teams to the high-altitude region. Power has been cut off and rockfall has closed roads, hampering access to affected areas. Strong tremors were also felt in the cities of Qamdo and Nyingchi.
Why it matters
The region experiences frequent seismic activity and has been hit by major natural disasters in recent years, including a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in 2023 and recent floods and landslides.
Original reporting
- Saudi Gazette — LatestAt least 16 die, hundreds of houses collapse as powerful earthquake hits Tibet
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