At least 16 people have been killed and 32 others injured after a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet in China, according to state news agency Xinhua, citing local authorities.
More than 300 houses collapsed in the earthquake, which struck at 10.33pm local time on Wednesday. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage while rescue and relief efforts are under way.
The epicentre was located in a mountainous area about 190km north-east of Nagqu and 390km north-east of Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km, potentially increasing its impact on buildings and communities near the epicentre.
Xinhua reported that a Level II emergency response for earthquake disasters had been activated in the affected area.
The epicentre was identified as being in Maru town, Baqen county. Maru deputy town chief Lhawang Dagpo said the tremors were clearly felt at the municipal office, where cracks appeared in the walls.
Electricity and telecommunications services in Baqen county’s administrative centre were also disrupted.
Earthquakes are relatively common in China. In January 2025, at least 126 people were killed when a powerful earthquake struck the rural Tingri area of Tibet.
