16 killed, 32 hurt after magnitude 7 earthquake strikes China’s Tibet

A potent 7.0-magnitude tremor shook China's Tibet region late Thursday, resulting in reported casualties, according to state news agency Xinhua, which referenced local authorities. The report did not disclose specifics regarding the number or nature of casualties. The earthquake's epicenter was situated in a mountainous region approximately 190 kilometers (120 miles) east-northeast of Nagqu and 390 kilometers (240 miles) northeast of the regional capital, Lhasa, as identified by the US Geological Survey.

It occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. A Level-II earthquake disaster emergency response was initiated in the region, as reported by Xinhua. The epicenter was located in Maru township, Baqen county. Township deputy head Lhawang Dagpo stated that the tremor was clearly felt at the township office, which exhibited cracks in the walls, as per Xinhua.

Reports indicated that houses had collapsed in the area, and power and telecommunications services were disrupted in the county seat. Rescue workers have been dispatched to the area to coordinate the response, and local officials are conducting assessments of nearby villages, according to the report. Earthquakes in China are not uncommon; in January 2025, at least 126 individuals lost their lives in an earthquake in Tibet's remote Tingri county.