A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Tibet, killing at least 16 people and injuring 65 others. The quake, the strongest in the region in five years, caused widespread damage, with hundreds of homes collapsing in Nagqu.
The earthquake occurred at 10.33pm local time, with its epicenter 191km east-north-east of Nagqu. At least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed, prompting immediate search and rescue efforts. Over 1,600 locals were deployed for relief, with 1,000 prefabricated housing units and 3,000 tents arriving for displaced residents.
China's president ordered all-out rescue efforts, with firefighters and police mobilized to assist. The region's communication and power lines were disrupted, and snowfall is expected, complicating recovery. The disaster highlights ongoing seismic risks in Tibet, a region prone to earthquakes, with similar events causing significant casualties in the past.