7-magnitude earthquake hits Tibet, killing 16 and injuring dozens

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on Thursday evening, October 22, in the northern regional city of Nagqu, specifically Baqen County. The seismic event resulted in at least 16 fatalities and dozens of injuries, with initial reports indicating 54 people sustained injuries, including 11 seriously. The earthquake's epicenter was located in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area, approximately 119 miles (191km) east-northeast of Nagqu, occurring at a depth of around 11 to 18 miles (18-29 km) according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The strong tremor caused widespread damage, with at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsing or being significantly affected. Rescue operations were immediately launched, involving over 1,600 personnel, and efforts were complicated by rockfalls that closed a section of National Highway 317, alongside intermittent communication outages in some affected areas. Authorities have dispatched essential supplies, including prefabricated housing units, tents, and winter clothing, to aid displaced residents.

Following the main quake, at least seven aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4.3 to 5.2, were recorded, adding to the instability in the region. Railway services through the affected zones were suspended as a precautionary measure. Chinese state media reported that this earthquake marks the largest to hit the region in the past five years.