Powerful earthquake in China's Tibet collapses hundreds of homes and kills at least 16 people

A magnitude 7 earthquake struck China's Tibet region on Thursday evening, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and 54 injuries, according to official media reports. The catastrophic event caused the collapse of hundreds of homes and 20 livestock sheds in Nagqu, a northern city in the region. The Nagqu media office, citing city government officials, confirmed that search and rescue operations were ongoing.

Over 1,600 local residents were mobilized to aid in the rescue efforts. Supplies, including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, approximately 3,000 tents, folding beds, flashlights, and winter clothing, were dispatched to the area. Xinhua, China's official news agency, reported on Friday that communication in parts of the region had been disrupted.

In response to the disaster, railway authorities implemented emergency measures to halt trains traveling through the affected region. Additionally, rockfalls triggered by the earthquake led to the closure of a segment of National Highway 317, restricting access to emergency, rescue, and official support vehicles. Intermittent snowfall is anticipated in the region.