TIBET, China – A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck a remote, mountainous area of northern Tibet late Thursday night, October 22, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens more, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. The disaster also caused more than 300 homes to collapse, while rescue teams rushed to affected communities.
The earthquake struck at approximately 10.33 p.m. local time in Baqen County, within Nagqu in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The epicentre was about 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, the regional capital. Chinese earthquake data placed the depth at approximately 10 kilometres, while the United States Geological Survey reported a depth of about 18 kilometres.
The shallow earthquake produced strong shaking in the affected area. Local officials reported extensive damage to homes, while electricity and telecommunications services were disrupted in parts of the county. Walls at the Maru township government office developed long cracks, according to Xinhua.
Chinese authorities activated a Level II emergency response for earthquake disaster relief. Rescue personnel and emergency teams were deployed to assist residents, assess structural damage and provide medical care to the injured.
Initial reports put the number of injured at 32, including 11 people in serious condition and 21 with minor injuries, according to figures released by local authorities early Friday. Damage assessments and rescue operations continued as officials worked to establish the full extent of the disaster. The earthquake struck a high-altitude region where difficult terrain and remote communities can complicate emergency response. The area around the epicentre averages approximately 4,864 metres above sea level.
Tibet has experienced devastating earthquakes in recent years. In January 2025, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, measured at 7.1 by the USGS, struck Tingri County in the region, killing at least 126 people and damaging buildings across several communities. Authorities continue to monitor the affected area following the latest earthquake, while smaller tremors have also been recorded in surrounding regions.
