Powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake kills 16 in Tibet, injures 54

Tibet Autonomous Region, China, October 23, 2026 — A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck northern Tibet late Thursday, killing at least 16 people and injuring 54, while collapsing hundreds of homes and disrupting essential services, according to reports citing local authorities.

The earthquake hit Baqên County in the Nagqu region at approximately 10:33 p.m. local time on October 22. The area is mountainous, sparsely populated and located about 400 kilometres from Lhasa, the regional capital.

Authorities reported that at least 339 homes collapsed and 20 livestock sheds were damaged. Electricity was cut off in affected areas, while communications were disrupted in parts of the region, complicating efforts to assess the damage and coordinate relief operations.

Rockfalls triggered by the earthquake blocked sections of National Highway 317, restricting access to emergency vehicles as crews worked to clear debris. Railway authorities also temporarily halted services on sections of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway while tracks and equipment were inspected. Some trains were delayed or stopped at safe locations.

The earthquake was felt across Nagqu and in parts of Qamdo, Lhasa and neighbouring Qinghai Province, according to reports from Chinese state media.

Rescue operations continued on Friday, with more than 1,600 personnel deployed to assist affected communities. The regional fire and rescue corps mobilised 347 rescuers, while more than 300 police officers were sent to support relief efforts and check damaged homes.

Emergency supplies were also delivered to the affected area. These included 1,000 prefabricated housing units, approximately 3,000 tents and folding beds, along with flashlights and winter clothing for residents displaced by the disaster.

The earthquake's epicentre was reported about 191 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the depth at 18 kilometres, while China's earthquake monitoring authorities reported a depth of 10 kilometres. At least seven aftershocks measuring between magnitude 4.3 and 5.2 were recorded, according to the USGS.