Tibet Earthquake Kills 16, Injures 54 Amidst Rescue Challenges

Rescuers are working in a remote area of China's Tibet region after a magnitude 7 earthquake killed at least 16 people, injured 54, and destroyed hundreds of homes. The quake struck Nagqu, a city located at an elevation of approximately 4,800 meters (over 15,700 feet) north of Lhasa, on Thursday.

Officials reported that at least 339 homes collapsed, and concerns remain about further structural failures due to aftershocks, as well as potential casualties from rockslides. The challenging terrain and low temperatures are complicating search and rescue operations. As of Friday afternoon, rescue teams had completed three rounds of searches in each household and village.

More than 5,000 personnel from three local counties have been deployed for rescue efforts. Emergency supplies, including prefabricated housing units, tents, folding beds, flashlights, and winter clothing, have been dispatched to the affected area.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake occurred at 10:33 p.m. local time on Thursday. Its epicenter was located 191 kilometers (119 miles) east-northeast of Nagqu, with a focal depth of 18 kilometers (11 miles). The agency also recorded at least seven aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.3 to 5.2, all at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles).

Communication in some of the hardest-hit areas remains down. Local railway authorities have halted trains passing through the region as a precautionary measure. The earthquake also triggered rockfalls, leading authorities to close a section of National Highway 317, allowing only emergency and official vehicles access while debris is cleared.

Intermittent snowfall is anticipated in the earthquake zone over the next three days. Chinese President Xi Jinping issued instructions Friday morning calling for comprehensive efforts in rescue and medical relief work, a directive typically given for major disasters.