A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Tibet region on Thursday evening, killing at least 16 people and injuring 32. The quake, which hit at 10:33 pm local time, caused widespread damage, with hundreds of homes collapsing in the northern city of Nagqu. Official media reported that at least 339 homes were destroyed, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations.

Local authorities confirmed that among the injured, 11 were in serious condition while 21 sustained minor injuries. The earthquake’s epicenter was located in a mountainous area approximately 190 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu and 390 kilometers northeast of Lhasa, according to the US Geological Survey. Rescue teams continued efforts to locate survivors and assess the full extent of the damage.

This earthquake follows a pattern of seismic activity in the region, which is known for its tectonic instability. Previous quakes in Tibet have often resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. The latest event highlights the ongoing challenges of disaster response in remote and mountainous areas. The government has deployed emergency services to support affected communities and provide medical aid.