The death toll from a powerful magnitude 7 earthquake in China’s Tibet region remains at 16, while the number of injured people has risen to 65, according to local authorities. More than 12,000 people have been moved to safer locations as rescue and emergency relief operations continue.
The earthquake struck Nagqu, a sparsely populated city in northern Tibet. It is reported to be the strongest earthquake to hit China since January 2024.
Authorities are working to assess damage, help affected residents and ensure the safety of people living near the epicentre. The high-altitude location and difficult terrain may create additional challenges for emergency teams.
Rescue and Relief Operations Underway
More than 300 police officers, including traffic and community police personnel, have been deployed to the affected area. Their responsibilities include rescue work, emergency assistance and checking buildings for damage.
Police teams have also helped residents move to safer places. Videos shared by local authorities showed officers loading supplies into a truck and inspecting buildings and rubble with flashlights during the night.
Many residents left their homes after the earthquake and sought shelter outdoors or inside vehicles parked along the streets. One resident described being awakened by the strong tremors and hearing the house creak as the shaking continued.
The relocation of more than 12,000 people is part of efforts to protect residents from damaged buildings and possible further tremors. Emergency teams are continuing to assess conditions in the affected areas.
Hundreds of Aftershocks Recorded
The China Earthquake Networks Center reported that 413 aftershocks had been recorded following the main earthquake.
Aftershocks can cause further damage to buildings already weakened by the initial tremor. They can also create additional risks for residents and rescue workers entering damaged structures.
Authorities are therefore continuing to monitor the situation while emergency personnel inspect homes and provide assistance to affected communities.
The disaster has also brought back memories of a major earthquake that struck Yushu in neighbouring Qinghai province in 2010. That magnitude 7.1 earthquake killed at least 2,698 people, while nearly 300 others were reported missing.
Pakistan Expresses Solidarity With China
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by the earthquake in China’s Xizang region.
President Zardari conveyed his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the bereaved families and the people of China. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths and offered prayers for the recovery of the injured. He said Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of China during this difficult time.
The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to provide all possible assistance to China as it responds to the disaster.
The statements reflect the close ties between the two countries and Pakistan’s support for China during emergencies.
Rescue Efforts Continue
With dozens injured and thousands relocated, authorities face the task of providing emergency support while checking the safety of buildings and surrounding communities.
The number of aftershocks remains an important concern for people in the affected region. Rescue teams are continuing their work as officials assess the full impact of the earthquake.
Further updates on casualties and damage may emerge as emergency operations progress.
Also read: Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Nears 3,000
