A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Baqen County in China’s Xizang region at 10:33 pm on Thursday, killing 16 people and injuring 46. Authorities started relief operations early Friday, sending tents, stoves, and beds to the area. Many people ran outside as the quake struck, causing significant damage in the high-altitude region.
People run outside of buildings as earthquake strike China
At least 16 people were killed and 46 others injured after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City, in China’s Xizang region, at 10:33 pm on Thursday. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occured with its epicentre about 191 kilometres east-north-east of Nagqu. The area is sparsely populated and lies at a high altitude in northern Tibet. The USGS estimated the quake's depth at 18 kilometres below the Earth's surface.Nagqu lies more than 300 kilometres north of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Authorities have begun relief operations in the affected area, with emergency supplies reaching the quake-hit zone early Friday. China Xinhua News released a series of images on X showing the devastation caused by the earthquake. In X post, it wrote, "Relief materials allocated by authorities at various levels include 1,000 sets of prefabricated houses, more than 3,200 tents and over 2,800 folding beds. Essential supplies such as quilts, stoves and clothing are also being sent to support people affected by the earthquake."