A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet in southwestern China, killing 16 people and injuring at least 65 others. The disaster occurred on Thursday night, damaging hundreds of homes and forcing authorities to launch emergency rescue operations. Officials have deployed teams to assist residents in affected areas.
According to media reports, the earthquake caused widespread destruction across the mountainous region. Hundreds of houses reportedly collapsed, leaving residents in need of urgent assistance. Authorities declared an emergency and sent rescue teams to affected locations to search for survivors and provide support.
Read more: Magnitude 7 earthquake strikes Tibet killing at least 16 people
The disaster also disrupted transportation, with falling rocks blocking several roads across the region. These obstructions have made it difficult for rescue workers to reach communities in higher elevations. Emergency teams face additional challenges because of the mountainous terrain and damage caused by the earthquake.
Rescue officials have moved more than 12,400 people to safer locations following the disaster. The evacuations aim to protect residents from further dangers in affected communities. Meanwhile, electricity supplies remain disrupted in the impacted area, adding to the difficulties faced by local residents.
The earthquake has also raised concerns about further seismic activity in the region. According to the United States Geological Survey, seven tremors occurred near the earthquake’s epicentre. All seven were recorded in mountainous areas, highlighting the extent of seismic activity following the main event.
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The strongest of these additional tremors measured 5.2 in magnitude, according to the reported figures. It occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres. Such aftershocks can create further challenges for rescue workers and residents, particularly where buildings have already suffered damage.
Authorities continue to coordinate emergency response efforts across the affected areas. Rescue teams must navigate blocked roads and difficult terrain to reach isolated communities. Officials have not provided further details about the full extent of the damage in the supplied report. The situation remains an emergency as rescue and recovery operations continue.