After Magnitude 7 Quake Kills 16 in Tibet, Rescue Teams Battle Harsh Terrain and Aftershocks

BEIJING — Major search and rescue operations are underway in a remote part of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region following a devastating magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck on Thursday night, leaving at least 16 people dead and 54 injured, state media reported Friday.

The earthquake hit Nagqu, a city located about 4,800 meters (5,249 yards) above sea level and roughly 191 kilometers (119 miles) east-northeast of Lhasa. According to Chinese authorities, at least 339 homes collapsed due to the tremor, prompting urgent concerns over potential additional structural damage and landslides triggered by ongoing aftershocks.

Officials noted that challenging geography and freezing temperatures have complicated relief efforts. Speaking at a press conference, Nagqu’s acting mayor Dunzhu confirmed that teams had completed three rounds of searches covering every household and village affected. Over 5,000 rescue personnel from three counties were immediately deployed to assist with recovery operations.

Emergency supplies—including prefabricated housing units, tents, medical equipment, winter clothing, and flashlights—have been rushed into the region. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at 10:33 p.m. local time, with an epicenter depth of 18 kilometers (11 miles). At least seven aftershocks ranging between magnitudes 4.3 and 5.2 were recorded within hours after the main shock.

Communication disruptions remain widespread in some parts of the impacted zone. Railway authorities halted all passenger trains traversing the area as a precautionary measure. Additionally, rockfalls prompted closures along National Highway 317, restricting access to essential services and emergency vehicles while crews work tirelessly to clear debris.

Weather forecasts predict intermittent snowfall across the region over the next three days, adding further complications to already difficult conditions faced by both survivors and emergency responders.

In response to the scale of the disaster, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued high-level directives calling for maximum effort in rescue missions and medical support—an indication typically reserved for the most critical national emergencies.

Source link