Tibet, October 23, 2026: A powerful magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck Tibet late Thursday night, killing at least 16 people, injuring dozens and destroying hundreds of homes across a remote mountainous region of southwestern China. Rescue operations were underway on Friday as authorities rushed personnel and emergency supplies to affected communities.
The earthquake hit Baqên County in Nagqu at around 10:33 pm Beijing time, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center. The shallow depth of the quake contributed to severe damage in villages close to the epicentre.
At Least 16 Dead, Dozens Injured
Authorities confirmed at least 16 deaths following the earthquake, while more than 30 people were reported injured.
Several of the injured were described as being in serious condition, raising concerns that the casualty toll could change as rescue teams reach more remote communities.
Hundreds of Homes Collapse
At least 339 homes were reported to have collapsed in the affected region, along with livestock shelters and other structures.
The quake caused widespread structural damage in villages across the high-altitude area, forcing many residents to leave their homes.
Epicentre Located in Baqên County
The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Baqên County under Nagqu city in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Chinese monitoring authorities measured the quake at magnitude 7.0 and a depth of around 10 kilometres, making it relatively shallow and potentially more destructive near the surface.
Power and Communications Disrupted
The earthquake disrupted electricity and telecommunications in parts of the affected area.
Damage to infrastructure has complicated efforts to establish contact with some remote communities, while emergency crews are assessing roads, power networks and public facilities.
Highway Closed After Rockfalls
Rockfalls triggered by the quake forced authorities to close a section of National Highway 317.
Access has been restricted primarily to rescue, emergency and official vehicles as crews work to clear debris and restore transport links.
More Than 1,600 Rescue Personnel Deployed
Authorities have mobilised more than 1,600 rescue and emergency personnel to assist affected communities.
Teams are searching damaged buildings, helping injured residents and delivering essential supplies to villages near the epicentre.
Emergency Shelters and Supplies Sent
Thousands of emergency items have been dispatched to the disaster zone.
These include prefabricated shelters, tents, folding beds, flashlights and winter clothing to help families displaced by the earthquake.
Cold Weather Could Complicate Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations face an additional challenge from the region’s harsh weather.
Snow is forecast in the earthquake-hit area over the coming days, which could slow debris-clearing operations and make conditions more difficult for residents left without shelter.
Tibet Highly Vulnerable to Earthquakes
Tibet and surrounding Himalayan regions are highly prone to seismic activity because of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The mountainous terrain also increases the risk of landslides, road blockages and isolation of communities after major earthquakes.
Rescue Operations Continue
Emergency teams are continuing searches for survivors and assessing damage across the affected region.
Authorities are also monitoring for aftershocks while working to restore power, communications and road connectivity.
The confirmed death toll remains at least 16, but further updates are expected as rescue teams gain access to isolated areas.
Source: China Earthquake Networks Center, Xinhua, international media reports
Supreme News Network
