Lhasa, October 23 (H.S.): A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Tibet on Thursday night, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 16 people dead and 32 others injured. More than 300 houses collapsed as a result of the tremors, prompting authorities to intensify relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.

According to media reports, the earthquake struck at approximately 10:33 p.m. on Thursday. Preliminary information available by 2:25 a.m. on Friday indicated that 11 of the injured were in critical condition, while 21 had sustained minor injuries. Officials at the scene are assessing the extent of the damage, while efforts to provide assistance to affected residents remain underway.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was located in a mountainous area approximately 190 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu city and around 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, the regional capital. The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres.

Local authorities said the epicentre was in Maru Township in Baqên County. Lhawang Dagpo, deputy head of the township, said the tremors were so powerful that cracks appeared in the walls of the township office. The earthquake also disrupted electricity and telecommunications services at the county headquarters.

Following the earthquake, authorities activated a Level-II emergency response in the affected region. More than 300 police officers were dispatched to areas near the epicentre to assist with relief and rescue operations. In addition, 347 personnel from regional fire and rescue teams were deployed across the affected areas.

Rescue teams are searching for people who may be trapped beneath the debris, providing assistance to the injured and inspecting damaged buildings. The administration is also conducting a comprehensive assessment of the destruction caused by the earthquake.

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Tibet and the surrounding Himalayan region. In January 2025, a devastating earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Tingri County in Tibet, killing more than 120 people and injuring hundreds. Earlier, in 2010, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Yushu region of neighbouring Qinghai Province. The disaster claimed at least 2,698 lives, while approximately 300 people were reported missing.

The latest earthquake has once again raised concerns about seismic activity and the persistent threat of natural disasters in the region.

The tremor struck at a time when Tibet was still attempting to recover from recent devastating floods and landslides. According to the available details, sudden flooding occurred on August 26, 2026, after ice and rocks shifted near the Nepal-Tibet border. The disaster caused extensive damage and affected large numbers of people.

Several houses, roads and bridges were washed away, while some hydropower projects also sustained damage. In the aftermath, affected communities have continued to face the challenge of rehabilitation and restoring essential infrastructure and public services.

Experts warn that rising temperatures, retreating glaciers and extreme weather events across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau could further complicate the region’s exposure to natural hazards. The latest earthquake has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the area, where many communities are already contending with difficult geographical conditions and the lingering consequences of recent disasters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar