en.malanginspirasi.com – A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.0 has struck a mountainous area of Tibet, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens more, according to Chinese state media.
The disaster has also damaged hundreds of homes, disrupted electricity supplies, and forced thousands of residents to leave their homes.
The earthquake struck Baqên County in the Nagqu region on Thursday night, Xinhua reported, citing the local emergency management bureau.
The affected area lies approximately 400 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, the regional capital.
Emergency authorities have activated disaster response measures and sent rescue personnel to affected communities. At least 65 people have been reported injured, including 11 who sustained serious injuries.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to residential buildings, with 339 homes reported to have collapsed.
Electricity was also disrupted across the affected area, although some communities had reportedly regained power by Friday morning.
More than 12,400 residents have been relocated following the disaster, according to local media reports.
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Rescue operations have been complicated by rockfalls that forced the closure of several roads.
The blocked routes have made it harder for emergency crews to reach remote communities in the high-altitude region.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded seven tremors near the earthquake’s epicentre, with the strongest measuring magnitude 5.2 at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Earthquakes occurring close to the surface can cause more severe damage because their energy reaches buildings and infrastructure with less attenuation.
Chinese state media reported on Friday morning that more than 400 aftershocks had been recorded since the main earthquake.
Fearing that further tremors could cause additional collapses, many residents opted to remain outside overnight despite temperatures falling below freezing. Some sought refuge in tents, while others stayed in their vehicles.
Videos circulating on social media appear to show villagers running into the streets as buildings shake in the darkness. However, the footage has not been independently verified.
Chinese Government Mobilises Rescue and Relief Efforts
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for urgent action to rescue survivors, provide medical assistance to injured people, and ensure that displaced residents receive appropriate accommodation, according to state media.
Li also highlighted the challenges facing emergency workers, noting that the affected area sits at an elevation of approximately 4,800 metres and remains vulnerable to aftershocks.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a working group to coordinate and support rescue and disaster relief operations.
In a separate announcement, the Chinese government allocated 50 million yuan, equivalent to approximately £5.6 million or $7.5 million, to support relief efforts in Tibet.
Emergency personnel, including firefighters and local residents, have been involved in helping people affected by collapsed buildings, according to footage broadcast by CCTV and distributed through Reuters.
