A violent earthquake struck Tibet on the evening of Thursday, October 22, 2026, causing casualties, injuries, and significant damage to buildings. The quake, with a magnitude of 7.0, primarily affected the Nagqu prefecture, a vast mountainous area of the Tibetan Autonomous Region in southwest China.
According to initial information released by the Chinese news agency Xinhua, based on data provided by local authorities, the provisional toll is at least 16 people dead and more than 60 injured. These numbers could change as checks continue in the most damaged villages.
The force of the earthquake caused the collapse of over 300 homes, leaving numerous families in emergency conditions. Rescue teams are working to reach the most isolated settlements and check for any people trapped under the rubble.
Link to Epicenter in Baqên County, Quake at Only 10 Kilometers DepthEpicenter in Baqên County, Quake at Only 10 Kilometers Depth
The earthquake was recorded at 10:33 PM local time, corresponding to 4:33 PM Italian time. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the epicenter was located in Baqên County, in the northern part of Tibet, about 400 kilometers northeast of Lhasa.
The hypocenter, located at a depth of about 10 kilometers, contributed to making the seismic effects particularly violent in areas near the epicenter. Testimonies collected by authorities describe damaged buildings, damaged homes, and residents forced to leave their homes.
Lhawang Dagpo, deputy head of the locality of Maru, reported that the quake was distinctly felt even in administrative offices, where cracks were detected in the walls. According to Chinese state television CCTV, this would be the most intense earthquake recorded in the region in the last five years.
Link to Rescue Mobilized, Over 1,600 Operators in Affected AreasRescue Mobilized, Over 1,600 Operators in Affected Areas
The Chinese government has activated extraordinary emergency procedures, dispatching specialized personnel and rescue equipment to the locations affected by the quake. More than 1,600 operators are mobilized to assist the population, locate any missing persons, and secure the most damaged areas.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged maximum commitment in search and rescue activities, calling for particular attention to the healthcare of the injured and the protection of the affected communities.
Operations are mainly focused on collapsed buildings and homes with structural damage that make them dangerous. The priority remains to quickly reach people in difficulty, providing medical care, temporary shelters, and essential goods.
Link to Landslides and Road Interruptions, Difficulties in ConnectionsLandslides and Road Interruptions, Difficulties in Connections
In addition to building damage, the earthquake has caused significant consequences on transport and communication infrastructures. Authorities have reported telecommunications interruptions in some areas and problems in electricity distribution, conditions that complicate the coordination of interventions.
The seismic movement also triggered landslides along some sections of the road network. The situation is particularly critical on National Road 317, where it was necessary to limit transit to allow debris removal and ensure the passage of emergency vehicles.
The regional railway system has also been affected by precautionary measures, with the temporary halt of trains in transit in the affected areas. The difficulties in connections represent an additional obstacle to reaching the most remote communities of the Tibetan plateau.
Link to Cold and Snow Threaten Rescue OperationsCold and Snow Threaten Rescue Operations
Authorities are concerned not only about the damage caused by the earthquake but also about the weather conditions expected in the coming days.
According to information reported by Xinhua, intermittent snowfall is expected in the affected area for at least three days. The particularly low temperatures, characteristic of high-altitude Tibetan regions, could further complicate the rescuers' activities and worsen the conditions of people left without a safe home.
The greatest risk concerns communities located in isolated areas, where access to healthcare services and the arrival of supplies may take longer.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved