Powerful earthquake hits Tibet killing 16 people, reports say — SkimNews
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- Tibet was hit by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake centered in Baqên County, killing at least 16 people and injuring 65, 11 severely, according to Chinese state media.
- Chinese authorities declared an emergency and deployed rescue teams to the high-altitude region, where 339 homes collapsed and power was initially cut off.
- More than 12,400 people were relocated after the quake, with many spending the night outdoors in subzero temperatures due to fears of aftershocks.
- China's Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a working group to guide relief efforts in the region, which sits at around 4,800 meters above sea level.
- Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for urgent rescue operations, medical treatment, and proper resettlement of affected residents, citing ongoing aftershock risks.
- The Chinese government allocated 50 million yuan (£5.6m, $7.5m) for disaster relief in Tibet following the earthquake.
- USGS recorded seven tremors near the epicenter, including a 5.2 magnitude quake at a depth of 10km, with shallow depth increasing damage potential.
Why it matters: High-altitude terrain and aftershock risks complicate rescue logistics for 12,400 displaced people, while the 50 million yuan relief fund reflects the scale of state response needed in one of China’s most remote, seismically vulnerable regions.
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