Deaths and widespread damage reported
At least 16 people were killed when a magnitude-7 earthquake struck northern Tibet at about 10:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to reports citing China’s state news agency Xinhua. Published injury counts differed: NOS reported at least 46 people hurt, while a Reuters report carried by Nikkei put the number at 32.
The epicentre was reported about 191 kilometres from Nagqu in a mountainous, sparsely populated area at high altitude. The BBC described the location as being within what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Xinhua reported that more than 300 homes and 20 livestock shelters had collapsed. Telecommunications services were also disrupted, according to the account carried by NOS.
Rockfalls restrict access
Rockfalls prompted the closure of a highway into the affected area, with access limited to rescue workers, NOS reported. Hundreds of people from the region were being deployed for rescue operations.
Emergency teams were taking tents and folding beds into the area, while flashlights and warm clothing were being distributed. Xinhua also forecast intermittent snow in the area over the following three days.