NAGQU, China / AsiaWire.IO / – On Thursday night, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook Tibet in southwestern China, resulting in at least 16 deaths and dozens of injuries, according to Xinhua News Agency. The tremor struck at 10:33 p.m. local time on October 22 in Baqên County, located in the northern part of Nagqu near the Qinghai border. Over 300 homes were destroyed, as reported by the Nagqu emergency management office. Officials are still evaluating the full extent of the destruction.
Both the United States Geological Survey and the China Earthquake Networks Center recorded the quake at magnitude 7.0. The USGS identified the epicenter approximately 191 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu city at a depth of 18 kilometres. In contrast, the Chinese authorities reported a depth of 10 kilometres. China’s state broadcaster CCTV stated this was the most significant earthquake in the region over the past five years.
Initial reports indicated 32 individuals were injured, with 11 suffering serious injuries. As assessments continued, official updates from state media raised the injury count. Local officials confirmed the collapse of at least 339 homes and damage to 20 livestock sheds in Baqên County. Additionally, rockfalls blocked parts of National Highway 317, and cracks in the ground along with damaged walls were observed in Maru Township.
Rescue efforts and relief supplies mobilized to reach affected area
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management activated a disaster response team, elevating the emergency level to Level III. Over 1,600 personnel from the local county were involved in rescue operations. The Tibet Military Region and the Tibet Armed Police Corps also deployed more than 300 personnel along with 20 vehicles. Drones operated by the Western Theater Command conducted aerial surveys of the impacted zone.
Relief materials, including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, around 3,000 tents and folding beds, flashlights, and winter clothing, arrived in the region. Over 12,400 residents were evacuated from their homes. The quake struck an isolated, high-altitude area with an average elevation of about 4,800 metres. Rescue teams worked throughout the night, setting up tents to shelter those displaced by the disaster.
Frequent seismic activity underscores tectonic instability in Tibetan Plateau
The earthquake resulted from normal faulting, consistent with ongoing east-west extension within the Tibetan Plateau. The epicenter is situated in the Qiangtang Block, which has experienced five other earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater since 1900. The largest was a magnitude 7.5 event on November 8, 1997. Seismic activity remains high in western China, including Sichuan.
In January 2025, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Dingri County in Tibet near Mount Everest, resulting in 126 fatalities. The recent quake comes after a magnitude 5.6 earthquake in Pakistan’s Balochistan earlier this month. Authorities in Nagqu continue to evaluate damage and assist displaced residents. Further casualty updates are anticipated as rescue efforts progress.