A magnitude-7 earthquake struck China’s Tibet region on Thursday, killing at least 16 people and injuring 54. The quake hit the northern city of Nagqu, collapsing hundreds of homes and livestock sheds. Official media reported that over 339 homes and 20 sheds were destroyed. Rescue operations continued as teams searched for survivors.
The earthquake, which occurred at 10:33 p.M. Local time, had its epicenter 191 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu. The area is sparsely populated and located in a high-altitude region. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered urgent relief efforts, emphasizing the need for search and rescue operations and medical care for the injured. He also warned of the challenges posed by the cold weather and the risk of secondary disasters.
This was the strongest earthquake to hit the region in five years, according to Chinese media. The disaster has raised concerns about the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Officials have called for continued monitoring of weather conditions and seismic activity to prevent further incidents. The government has deployed emergency services to the area, with efforts focused on rescuing survivors and providing aid to affected residents. The situation remains under active management as teams work to assess the full extent of the damage.
