Northern Tibet hit by powerful tremor that leaves dozens injured and many homeless

A significant seismic event shook the high-altitude terrain of northern China on Thursday night, triggering a wave of destruction that has claimed at least sixteen lives.

The tremor, registered at a magnitude of seven, struck at 10:33 p.m. local time. According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was located 191 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu. This area is characterized by sparse population and high elevation, situated more than 300 kilometers north of Lhasa, the regional capital. The depth of the rupture was measured at 18 kilometers.

Official reports indicate that the Nagqu region suffered the most severe consequences. Local authorities stated that hundreds of residential structures gave way to the force of the ground movement. Specifically, the city media office, relying on government figures, confirmed that 339 houses and 20 livestock sheds were destroyed. Among the 46 individuals reported injured, 11 remain in serious condition while the other 35 sustained minor wounds. Rescue teams are still actively searching the rubble for survivors.

The scale of the response has been substantial. More than 1,600 personnel from the surrounding county have been mobilized to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. To support those displaced by the collapse of their homes, relief aid has begun arriving in the affected zone. This shipment includes approximately 1,000 prefabricated housing units, around 3,000 tents, and folding beds. Essential supplies such as flashlights and winter clothing have also been delivered to help residents cope with the cold.

Infrastructure damage has further complicated the situation. Xinhua, the state news agency, reported that communication networks were down in parts of the region as of Friday. In response, local railway authorities took immediate steps to halt train traffic through the impacted sector to ensure safety. Additionally, the shaking triggered rockfalls on the mountainsides, forcing the closure of a segment of National Highway 317.

Access to the site is currently restricted. According to Xinhua, only emergency vehicles, rescue crews, and official support transports are permitted to pass through the closed highway section. Engineering crews are working to clear the debris that has blocked the road. This logistical challenge is likely to slow the pace of the broader relief effort.

Weather conditions are expected to add to the difficulty of the ongoing work. Meteorological reports indicate that intermittent snow is forecast to fall across the earthquake zone over the next three days. This timing may make the search for survivors and the distribution of aid more arduous for the teams on the ground.

The event has been described by China’s national broadcaster, CCTV, as the most powerful earthquake to hit this specific region in the last five years. While the immediate death toll stands at sixteen, officials have not indicated whether the number is expected to rise as rescue operations continue in the harsh terrain.