A powerful earthquake in Tibet killed at least 18 people and injured 46, while more than 300 homes collapsed or sustained damage, prompting large-scale rescue operations
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 in magnitude struck a mountainous region of Tibet, killing at least 18 people and injuring 46. Hundreds of homes were damaged, rescue teams were deployed to search for survivors, and tremors were also reported near India's border region.
Beijing: At least 18 people were reportedly killed and 46 injured after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck a mountainous region of Tibet late Thursday night, damaging hundreds of houses and prompting emergency rescue operations.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) figures cited in the initial reports, the earthquake occurred at approximately 10:33 pm local time. Its epicentre was located about 190 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu and nearly 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
Residents reportedly rushed out of homes, shops and restaurants as the tremors shook buildings. Authorities deployed rescue personnel to search for survivors and assist affected communities.
Tibet Earthquake Damages 339 Houses, Leaves 11 Critically Injured
Preliminary reports indicated that approximately 339 houses had either collapsed or sustained partial damage following the earthquake.
Of the 46 people reported injured, 11 were said to be in critical condition and were admitted to hospitals for treatment.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show products falling from supermarket shelves and electricity poles shaking during the tremors. However, the footage has not been independently verified.
Concerns remained that residents could be trapped beneath damaged structures.
Tibet Earthquake Rescue Operations Involve Over 300 Personnel
More than 300 police personnel and disaster-response workers were reportedly deployed to the affected region. Rescue teams began clearing debris, searching damaged buildings and assisting injured residents.
The mountainous terrain and damage to residential structures presented challenges for emergency operations. Authorities continued assessing the extent of the destruction as rescue efforts progressed.
Earthquake Tremors Reported Near Arunachal Pradesh Border Region
A separate earthquake measuring 5.2 in magnitude was also recorded in China at approximately 8:29 pm Indian Standard Time, according to information attributed to India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
The tremor was reported at a depth of 15 kilometres, approximately 505 kilometres northwest of Pangin in Arunachal Pradesh. The available information does not establish whether this tremor was an aftershock of the larger earthquake.
The Himalayan region lies along an active tectonic boundary where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. Authorities continued monitoring seismic activity and assessing damage in the affected areas.
