Magnitude 7 quake in northern Tibet leaves 16 dead, 46 injured

Northern Tibet experienced its most powerful seismic event in five years when a magnitude 7 earthquake struck late Thursday evening. The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter 191 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu at a depth of 18 kilometers. Official media reported at least 16 deaths and 46 injuries by the time reports emerged on Friday.

Damage was concentrated around the regional city of Nagqu, situated over 300 kilometers north of Lhasa. The local media office stated that 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed. Among the 46 injured, 11 sustained serious wounds while the other 35 suffered minor injuries. Search and rescue teams remained active in the area as of Friday.

County authorities dispatched more than 1,600 personnel to support recovery efforts. Relief shipments arrived in the region, delivering 1,000 prefabricated housing units, approximately 3,000 tents, folding beds, flashlights, and winter clothing. These supplies aim to support the displaced population and assist field workers.

Infrastructure suffered immediate setbacks. Xinhua reported that communication lines were down in parts of the region. Railway authorities halted train traffic through the affected zone. Rockfalls forced the closure of a section of National Highway 317, restricting passage to emergency and official vehicles until crews clear debris.

Weather conditions may slow progress over the coming days. Xinhua forecasted intermittent snow across the quake zone for the next three days. The high-altitude, sparsely populated terrain adds logistical challenges to the ongoing response.