NAGQU, China / AsiaWire.IO / – A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Tibet in southwestern China on Thursday night, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and injuring dozens, according to Xinhua News Agency. The tremor occurred at 10:33 p.m. local time on October 22 in Baqên County, situated in the northern part of Nagqu close to the Qinghai Province border. Over 300 residences were destroyed, as reported by the Nagqu emergency management office. Authorities indicated that damage assessments were still underway.
Both the United States Geological Survey and the China Earthquake Networks Center recorded the quake at magnitude 7.0. The USGS estimated the epicenter approximately 191 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu city at a depth of 18 kilometres, while the Chinese agency reported a depth of 10 kilometres. China’s state broadcaster CCTV noted it was the largest earthquake in the region over the past five years.
Initial reports indicated 32 injuries, with 11 classified as serious. As assessments progressed, official updates from state media reflected higher injury figures. Local officials confirmed that at least 339 homes were lost, and 20 livestock sheds damaged in Baqên County. Additionally, rockfalls blocked part of National Highway 317, and ground fissures along with damaged walls were observed in Maru Township.
Rescue operations and relief efforts mobilized to assist affected areas
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management activated a disaster response team, elevating emergency measures to Level III. Over 1,600 personnel from the local county participated in rescue activities. The Tibet Military Region and Tibet Armed Police Corps also deployed more than 300 personnel along with 20 vehicles. Aerial reconnaissance was conducted by drones from the Western Theater Command to assess the damage.
Relief supplies, including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, approximately 3,000 tents and folding beds, flashlights, and winter clothing, arrived in the region. Over 12,400 residents were evacuated from danger zones. The earthquake struck a remote, high-altitude area with an average elevation of about 4,800 metres. Rescue teams worked through the night, erecting tents to shelter those displaced from their homes.
Tibetan Plateau Endures Frequent Major Quakes
The seismic event was caused by normal faulting, consistent with the ongoing east-west extension within the Tibetan Plateau. The epicenter is located in the Qiangtang Block, which has experienced five other earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater since 1900, including a magnitude 7.5 event on November 8, 1997. Seismic activity remains common across western China, including in Sichuan.
In January 2025, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Dingri County in Tibet near Mount Everest, resulting in 126 fatalities. The recent quake follows a magnitude 5.6 earthquake in Pakistan’s Balochistan province earlier this month. Authorities in Nagqu continue to evaluate the damage and assist residents displaced by the tremor. Further casualty updates are anticipated as rescue efforts persist.