Magnitude 7 earthquake kills 16 in Tibet, collapses homes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 03:02 · Archive

A magnitude 7 earthquake in China's Tibet region killed at least 16 people and destroyed hundreds of homes.

A magnitude 7 earthquake hit China's Tibet region on Thursday evening, killing at least 16 people and injuring 54. The quake, centred 191 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu at a depth of 18 kilometres in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area, struck at 10:33 p.m. local time according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It was the largest earthquake in the region in five years, according to China's state broadcaster CCTV.

At least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed in Nagqu and surrounding areas. More than 1,600 people from the local county were deployed for search and rescue efforts. Supplies including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, approximately 3,000 tents and folding beds, as well as flashlights and winter clothing arrived in the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts in rescue operations and medical relief work.

The earthquake caused rockfalls that forced authorities to close a section of National Highway 317, allowing only emergency, rescue and official support vehicles through. Local railway authorities halted trains passing through the region. Communication in part of the region has been down, according to Xinhua news agency. Intermittent snow is expected over the next three days.

How it is being reported

• Powerful earthquake in China’s Tibet region collapses hundreds of homes and kills at least 16 peopleA magnitude 7 earthquake has hit China's Tibet region, killing at least 16 people and injuring 54.Clickorlando · 22 Oct, 17:07
• Powerful earthquake in China’s Tibet region collapses hundreds of homes and kills at least 16 peopleA magnitude 7 earthquake has hit China's Tibet region, killing at least 16 people and injuring 54.News4Jax · 22 Oct, 17:07

In this story: China · Tibet · Nagqu · Xi Jinping · U.S. Geological Survey · Xinhua

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem