A powerful magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck China’s Tibet region late Thursday, October 22, killing at least 16 people and injuring 54 others, as rescue teams searched damaged buildings and authorities rushed emergency supplies to the affected communities.

The earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City at 10:33 p.m. local time, according to Chinese authorities. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the epicentre about 191 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu, at a depth of 18 kilometres. China’s earthquake monitoring agency measured the quake at a depth of 10 kilometres.

The affected area is sparsely populated and lies at an average altitude of about 4,800 metres, complicating emergency response efforts. Nagqu is located more than 300 kilometres north of Lhasa, the Tibetan regional capital. “Checks are under way in villages across the township,” Lhawang Dagpo, deputy head of Maru Township, said, according to Xinhua.

The death toll and extent of the damage were still being assessed on Friday, October 23, while emergency personnel continued rescue, evacuation and relief operations.

Hundreds of homes damaged as rescue teams mobilise

The earthquake caused at least 339 homes to collapse or sustain damage and affected 20 livestock sheds, according to local authorities cited by Chinese state media. Eleven of the injured were reported to be in serious condition, while 35 sustained minor injuries in the initial casualty assessment.

More than 1,600 personnel from the affected county were deployed for rescue and relief work. Regional fire and rescue authorities also sent additional rescuers, fire engines, search dogs and equipment to the disaster zone.

Emergency supplies included 1,000 prefabricated housing units, more than 3,200 tents and over 2,800 folding beds, alongside quilts, stoves, clothing and other essentials. The supplies were intended to help residents whose homes were damaged or who could not safely return to their houses.

China activated emergency response mechanisms at regional and national levels. The regional government initiated a Level-II earthquake disaster response, while the national earthquake relief authorities and the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level-IV response and dispatched a team to assist local officials.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for maximum efforts in rescue operations and medical assistance, according to reports by state media.

Railway disruption, road closures complicate relief efforts

The earthquake disrupted transport and communications in parts of the affected region. Railway authorities temporarily halted trains on sections of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway while inspecting tracks and equipment. Some trains were delayed as officials assessed potential damage.

Rockfalls also forced the closure of part of National Highway 317, with access restricted to emergency, rescue and official support vehicles while crews worked to clear debris. Communications were reported to be down in some affected areas, creating additional challenges for rescue coordination and damage assessments.

A hotel owner identified only by the surname Wang described the experience to China News Service, “The whole building was shaking.” Wang said plates and bowls were falling in a friend’s restaurant. He and his guests went downstairs after the shaking eased. No one at his hotel was injured, the report said.

The USGS recorded several aftershocks following the main earthquake, including tremors measuring between magnitude 4.3 and 5.2. Authorities continued monitoring seismic activity as rescue operations proceeded.

Weather conditions could further complicate the response. Chinese state media reported that intermittent snowfall was expected in the earthquake-hit area over the following three days, raising concerns about conditions for residents and emergency workers in the high-altitude region.

The earthquake is the strongest reported in the region in five years, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV. The disaster comes less than two years after a magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck Dingri County in Tibet’s Xigaze region on January 7, 2025, killing 126 people.

Authorities are continuing to verify casualties, assess structural damage and provide emergency assistance as the rescue effort develops.

FAQs

1. Where did the October 2026 earthquake strike?

The earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City in China’s Tibet region at 10:33 p.m. local time on October 22.

2. How many people were killed or injured?

At least 16 people were killed and 46 injured, according to the initial casualty figures reported by local authorities on October 23.

3. How strong was the earthquake?

The earthquake measured magnitude 7.0 according to Chinese monitoring authorities. The USGS also reported a magnitude-7.0 earthquake but estimated its depth at 18 kilometres, compared with the 10-kilometre depth reported by China’s monitoring agency.

4. What damage did the earthquake cause?

Local authorities reported that 339 homes had collapsed or sustained damage and 20 livestock sheds were affected. Transport and communications were also disrupted in parts of the region.

5. What is China doing to help earthquake victims?

Authorities deployed rescue personnel and emergency equipment, supplied temporary housing, tents, beds and other essential items, and activated regional and national disaster-response mechanisms.

6. Could weather conditions affect rescue operations?

Yes. Forecast snowfall in the high-altitude region could complicate access, evacuation and the delivery of relief supplies.