Northern Tibet Quake: 1,600 Crews Mobilized After 7.0 Tremor

China’s western regions have experienced frequent seismic activity in recent years, with major losses recorded in 2023 and 2025.

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck northern Tibet on Thursday night, killing at least 16 people and injuring 54, according to Chinese official media.

The US Geological Survey logged the tremor at 10.33 p.m. local time, with an epicenter 119 miles east-northeast of Nagqu. The quake occurred at a depth of 11 miles. The agency recorded at least seven aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.3 to 5.2.

The Nagqu media office stated that 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed in and around the city. More than 1,600 personnel from the local county were deployed to assist with search and rescue. Xinhua reported that over 300 police officers joined the relief effort, while regional fire and rescue services sent nearly 350 personnel.

Supplies reaching the area include 1,000 prefabricated housing units, approximately 3,000 tents, folding beds, torches, and winter clothing. President Xi Jinping called for an all-out effort in rescue and medical relief work.

Logistical challenges remain in the affected zone. Xinhua reported on Friday that communications were down in some areas. Railway authorities halted trains passing through the region as a precaution. Rockfalls forced the closure of a section of national highway 317, restricting access to emergency and official support vehicles while crews cleared debris. Intermittent snow is forecast for the next three days.

CCTV described the event as the largest quake in the region in five years. Footage showed residents fleeing restaurants and rescuers climbing through damaged buildings with collapsed roofs. Nagqu is located more than 185 miles north of Lhasa. The area is sparsely populated and situated at a high altitude.