China Earthquake: 16 Dead, 65 Injured as Over 12,000 Residents Relocated

At least 16 people have been killed and 65 injured after a magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, prompting emergency rescue operations and the relocation of more than 12,000 residents.

The earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City at about 10:33 p.m. local time on Thursday, October 22, according to Chinese authorities.

The number of injured people rose to 65 on Friday, while the death toll remained at 16, as officials continued assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out rescue operation, directing authorities to search for missing people, provide medical treatment for the injured and minimise further casualties.

The Chinese government’s official news portal reported on Friday that emergency management authorities in the region had mobilised resources for rescue and relief operations.

The affected area is located at a high altitude, where low temperatures present additional challenges for displaced residents and rescue workers.

More than 300 police officers, including traffic and community police personnel, were deployed to the earthquake’s epicentre to assist with rescue operations, inspect damaged buildings and help residents move to safer locations.

Local authorities also reported that more than 12,000 people had been relocated as a precaution.

The earthquake caused damage to residential buildings, with an initial assessment by local authorities identifying 339 households whose homes had collapsed or sustained damage. Twenty livestock pens were also reported damaged.

Emergency supplies, including tents, temporary shelters, blankets, bedding and warm clothing, were being transported to the affected area.

The United States Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.0, with its epicentre approximately 191 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu and a depth of about 18 kilometres in its initial event listing.

The China Earthquake Networks Center also reported aftershocks following the main earthquake, adding to concerns as emergency workers assessed the damage.

The latest figures indicate that the disaster has caused significant loss of life and displacement, although assessments of the full extent of the damage remain ongoing.