A magnitude 7 earthquake struck a mountainous region in Tibet on Thursday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 people. Chinese state media reported that the quake hit Baqên County in the Nagqu region, approximately 300 to 400 kilometers (186 to 248 miles) north or northeast of Lhasa, around 10:30 p.m. local time. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the depth at 18 kilometers, while the China Earthquake Networks Center reported a depth of 10 kilometers.
The Nagqu media office stated that at least 339 homes collapsed and 32 people were injured in the event. Among the injured, 11 are in serious condition and 21 sustained minor injuries. Local reports indicated that power was mostly cut off in the affected area, and rockfalls forced the closure of regional roads. The China Earthquake Administration activated its second-highest emergency response, Level II, in response to the disaster.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with police and fire departments deploying teams to build tents for displaced residents. Footage from local media showed residents fleeing their homes during the shaking, and state broadcaster CCTV reported that railway authorities suspended train services through the region. This earthquake is the largest to hit the area in five years.
The disaster adds to the challenges facing a population that recently experienced significant environmental loss. Tibet and neighboring Nepal were affected by floods and landslides caused by a glacier collapse less than two months ago, which resulted in at least 1,400 deaths. The current earthquake has severed critical infrastructure, including electricity and road access, which will delay the return to regular daily routines for families who rely on these connections.
The suspension of railway services and the closure of roads due to rockfall create a knock-on effect for the regional economy and travel. The Level II emergency activation signifies a high-scale mobilization of state resources. As of late Thursday, search and rescue operations remain active, and there is no confirmed date for when power will be restored or when roads will be cleared of debris. Residents and emergency workers now face the task of assessing structural damage in villages where visible cracks have been reported in remaining buildings.