Powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake kills 16 and injures 65 in Tibet
A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck northern Tibet on October 22, killing at least 16 people and injuring 65, according to the latest figures released by local authorities on Friday.
The earthquake hit Baqen County in Nagqu city at 10:33 p.m. local time, with its epicentre near Maru township, approximately 400 kilometres from the regional capital Lhasa.
JUST IN: At least 16 dead, 32 injured and hundreds of homes collapsed after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Tibet, China, officials say. https://t.co/2nTZ5BL4CU
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) October 22, 2026
China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) recorded the quake at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentral area lies at an average altitude of approximately 4,800 metres, making rescue operations particularly challenging.
Of the 65 injured, 11 were reported to be in serious condition, according to Chinese state media citing local authorities.
At least 339 households have reported collapsed or damaged homes, while 20 livestock shelters have also sustained damage.
⚠️ UPDATE: The death toll from the M7.0 earthquake in Baqing County, Nagqu, Tibet, stands at 16, with 65 injured. Over 12,000 people were relocated, 339 homes collapsed, and rockfalls blocked roads. Rescue operations continue. China – Sismo – Terremoto – Temblor https://t.co/ZGqQ7Cbe86
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) October 23, 2026
More than 12,400 people have been evacuated to safer locations, with authorities setting up temporary accommodation and distributing emergency supplies.
The earthquake triggered widespread power disruptions and communication problems, while residents in nearby communities reported strong shaking and damage to buildings.
Hundreds of aftershocks complicate rescue operations
CENC recorded 413 aftershocks following the initial earthquake, including 20 tremors measuring magnitude 3.0 or above.
A house is on the verge of collapse after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Maru Township in Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet, China https://t.co/7E8I5oiQ6R
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) October 23, 2026
Rescue teams have been working through the night to reach affected villages, search damaged buildings and provide medical assistance.
More than 1,600 local personnel have been mobilised, supported by firefighters, police officers and military units.
According to the Tibet Fire and Rescue Corps, 347 firefighters and 82 vehicles were deployed with more than 4,200 pieces of rescue equipment.
Chinese military personnel also used drones to survey remote settlements and assess damage.
Falling rocks temporarily blocked sections of National Highway 317, while railway authorities suspended services passing through affected areas as a precaution.
#EXCLUSIVE MAGNITUDO 7.1 EARTHQUAKE HITS NANGQU, TIBET PROVINCE, CHINA, KILLING 16 PEOPLES SO FAR Friday early day, 23rd October 2026 https://t.co/mjGQbe5LtS
— Agraprana Pahlawan (@skynewsagra) October 23, 2026
Emergency supplies, including tents, prefabricated shelters, folding beds, winter clothing and generators, have been dispatched to the region.
Tibet’s regional government activated a Level II earthquake emergency response, while China’s Ministry of Emergency Management launched a national Level IV response and sent officials to coordinate relief efforts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed authorities to prioritise search and rescue operations, medical treatment and accommodation for displaced residents.
The earthquake is the strongest recorded in China since January 2024.
Northern Tibet and neighbouring Qinghai province are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because of tectonic activity along the Tibetan Plateau.
In 2010, a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Yushu in Qinghai province, killing at least 2,698 people.
Authorities continue to assess damage in remote settlements, and the casualty figures may change as rescue teams reach additional communities.
