On Thursday, October 22, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 in magnitude struck Tibet, killing at least 16 people and injuring 54, according to official media reports. The earthquake caused major damage in the northern city of Nagqu, where hundreds of homes and livestock sheds collapsed. Rescue teams are continuing their search for survivors as authorities work to provide shelter and emergency supplies to affected families.
16 killed, 32 injured in 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Tibet — reports A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqing County, Nagqu City, Tibet, Xinhua reported. Eleven people were seriously injured and 21 suffered minor injuries. At least 339 homes were destroyed. Footage from social media
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Rescue operations underway
The Nagqu media office said at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed in the earthquake. More than 1,600 people from the local county have been sent to help with rescue operations and provide support to those affected.
Authorities have also sent emergency supplies to the region, including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, around 3,000 tents, folding beds, flashlights and winter clothing. These supplies are aimed at helping people who have lost their homes and need shelter in the cold conditions.
Roads closed, Train services affected
The earthquake disrupted communication in some affected areas. Local railway authorities also took emergency steps to stop trains from passing through the region as a safety measure.
Earthquake-triggered rockfalls forced authorities to close part of National Highway 317. Only emergency vehicles, rescue teams and official support vehicles are being allowed through while workers clear rocks and other debris from the road.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake occurred at 10:33 p.m. local time, with its epicentre about 191 kilometres (119 miles) east-northeast of Nagqu. The quake struck at a depth of 18 kilometres (11 miles) in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area of northern Tibet.
The US agency also recorded at least seven aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 5.2. All seven were recorded at a depth of around 10 kilometres (6 miles).
Weather conditions could make rescue work more difficult, as intermittent snowfall is expected in the earthquake-hit region over the next three days, Xinhua reported.
Xi Jinping calls for emergency support
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for full efforts to rescue people, provide medical care and support those affected by the disaster. Emergency teams are working to reach damaged areas and help residents as rescue and relief operations continue.
CCTV described the earthquake as the strongest to hit the region in the past five years. Nagqu is located more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
