CHINESE OFFICIALS REPORT 16 DEATHS IN TIBET EARTHQUAKE

Chinese authorities reported at least 16 deaths after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Tibet on Thursday evening. Accounts of the number injured range from 32 to 46. The earthquake struck at 10.33 pm local time, according to the United States Geological Survey. The Nagqu media office, citing city officials, said at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed. Officials were still assessing the damage as rescue work continued.

The epicentre was in Maru township, Baqen county, about 190 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu, according to the United States Geological Survey. Accounts of the earthquake’s depth range from 10 to about 18 kilometres. Lhawang Dagpo, Maru township’s deputy head, said staff felt the earthquake at the township office, where cracks appeared in the walls. Authorities reported disruption to power and telecommunications services in the county seat. The Nagqu media office said 11 injured people were in serious condition and 35 had minor injuries.

More than 1,600 people from the local county joined rescue efforts, according to local officials. Supplies delivered to the area included 1,000 prefabricated housing units, about 3,000 tents and folding beds, torches and winter clothing. Authorities activated a level-II earthquake disaster emergency response. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV described it as the region’s largest earthquake in five years. In January 2025, an earthquake in Tibet’s Tingri county killed at least 126 people, according to Chinese state media.