A Tibet earthquake measuring magnitude 7.0 has killed at least 16 people and injured 76 in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, forcing authorities to evacuate 12,489 residents as rescue and relief operations continue. The powerful tremor struck Baqen County in Nagqu City late Thursday, October 22, with authorities racing to assist affected communities.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 10:33 pm local time at a depth of less than 10 kilometres, making it a shallow seismic event. More than 330 houses have collapsed or sustained damage, while officials assess the full extent of the destruction.
China Mobilises Emergency Relief and Rescue Teams
Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to conduct an extensive search for missing people, provide prompt medical treatment to the injured and minimise casualties. Premier Li Qiang has also called for effective disaster prevention and response measures.
China has allocated 50 million yuan, approximately $7.5 million, in emergency disaster relief funding and earmarked another 30 million yuan for recovery efforts, according to state media reports.
Relief supplies have reached the affected region. Deliveries include 1,000 sets of prefabricated houses, 3,239 tents, 2,821 folding beds and 4,280 quilts, alongside other essential items. Authorities are working to resettle evacuated residents and provide suitable temporary accommodation.
Freezing Weather Complicates Relief Efforts
Rescue operations face additional challenges because of the region’s extreme altitude and harsh weather. The area surrounding the epicentre has an average elevation exceeding 4,800 metres, while temperatures are forecast to fall to minus 9 degrees Celsius over the next three days. Intermittent snowfall is also expected on Saturday in three townships near the epicentre.
Authorities have been instructed to monitor seismic activity and weather conditions closely to prevent further disasters and protect residents from the cold.
Infrastructure restoration is also underway. Passenger trains on the affected section of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway resumed operations at reduced speeds on Friday. Electricity had been restored to 1,937 households in Baqen County by 10 am local time.
Tibet’s Seismic Risks
The Tibetan Plateau is vulnerable to powerful earthquakes because it lies in a region where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide.
Rescue teams continue to assist affected communities as authorities assess structural damage, restore essential services and arrange accommodation for displaced residents.
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