Tibet earthquake: 16 dead, dozens injured

The strong tremor struck Nagqu, a vast and sparsely populated mountainous area located northeast of Tibet's capital, Lhasa. According to Chinese state media, the quake damaged hundreds of structures and severed road communication and power supply links across several remote communities.

Emergency management officials noted that the affected villages are situated at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters above sea level. The rugged terrain and high elevation are expected to complicate search and rescue operations as well as comprehensive damage assessments.

State media reported that this is the most fatal seismic event recorded in the region since 2023, when a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in neighboring Gansu province claimed 120 lives. Emergency relief teams and medical personnel have been dispatched to the affected areas to carry out rescue operations and provide shelter to displaced residents.