China orders ‘all-out’ rescue after Tibet quake kills 16

Beijing has mobilized an all-out rescue effort following a deadly earthquake in Tibet that killed at least 16 people and injured dozens more, according to state media reports. The 7.0-magnitude tremor struck Thursday evening, causing extensive damage to over 300 homes and disrupting power and telecommunications services in the affected region.

Residents described the quake as extremely strong, with one person recounting how her family rushed outside without even putting on shoes after the tremor shook their home. Emergency personnel have been deployed to provide assistance, including carrying injured individuals and shining flashlights on damaged buildings. Local officials reported cracks in walls and other structural damage to buildings in the affected area.

President Xi Jinping acknowledged that the earthquake caused significant casualties and took place in a remote, high-altitude location during cold weather. He emphasized the need for a rapid and comprehensive response to rescue operations and medical treatment to minimize further loss of life. Baqing County has mobilized over 1,600 people to aid in relief efforts, while the municipal fire and rescue brigade has dispatched 25 vehicles and 110 personnel to the scene.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 190 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu and 390 kilometers northeast of the regional capital Lhasa. Relief supplies, including prefabricated houses, tents, generators, and flashlights, have been delivered to the affected region. Earthquakes are relatively common in China, with a recent quake in Tingri county in January 2025 claiming at least 126 lives, adding to other deadly tremors in recent years.