1,600 Crews Mobilized as 7.0 Quake Flattens 339 Homes in Tibet

Rescue crews are battling winter weather and damaged infrastructure to reach survivors in northern Tibet after a magnitude-7 earthquake struck on Thursday night. Chinese official media reported at least 16 deaths and 54 injuries, with search and rescue operations still active as of Friday.

The US Geological Survey located the epicenter 119 miles east-north-east of the regional city of Nagqu at a depth of 11 miles. The tremor occurred at 10.33 p.m. local time. The agency recorded at least seven aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.3 to 5.2, each at a depth of 6 miles.

The Nagqu media office stated that at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed. More than 1,600 local county staff have been deployed to assist with rescue efforts. Xinhua reported that over 300 police officers and almost 350 fire and rescue personnel joined the operation.

Logistical challenges have intensified due to the region's high altitude and approaching cold. Local railway authorities halted trains passing through the area, and rockfalls closed a section of national highway 317 to all but emergency and support vehicles. Interim snow is forecast for the next three days, complicating cleanup work.

Relief supplies have been sent to the region, including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, approximately 3,000 tents, folding beds, torches, and winter clothing. Xinhua reported that communications remained down in some affected areas as crews worked to restore connectivity.

President Xi Jinping called for an all-out effort in rescue and medical relief work. Nagqu is situated more than 185 miles north of Lhasa. The region experiences frequent seismic activity, with a quake in Tingri county in January 2025 killing at least 126 people.

CCTV described the event as the largest quake in the region in five years. Footage released by the broadcaster showed residents evacuating restaurants and goods falling from supermarket shelves during the initial tremor. Rescuers were seen navigating damaged structures with collapsed roofs.