A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck China’s Tibet region on Thursday evening, killing at least 16 people and injuring 32. The quake, which occurred at 10:33 p.M. Local time, had its epicenter 191 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu, in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area of northern Tibet.
Official media reported that the earthquake collapsed at least 339 homes, with search and rescue operations ongoing. Local medics confirmed 16 deaths and 32 injuries. The USGS noted the quake’s epicenter in a remote area, where population density is low.
This is the second major earthquake to hit the region in recent weeks. A 7.0 magnitude quake struck the same area on October 22, killing many, though exact casualty figures were not immediately available. The current disaster has raised concerns about the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Tibet has experienced several significant earthquakes in the past, including a 6.9 magnitude quake in 2015 that killed over 180 people. The region is located along the Himalayan fault line, making it prone to frequent seismic events.
Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid to affected communities. The situation remains critical, with ongoing efforts to locate and rescue survivors.
