18 Killed, Over 300 Houses Collapse After 7.0-Magnitude Earthquake in Tibet

Tibet, China: At least 18 people were killed and 46 others injured after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck a remote mountainous region of Tibet, China, on Thursday, according to reports citing local officials. The tremor caused 339 houses to collapse or sustain damage, triggering large-scale rescue operations.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 10:33 pm local time, with its epicentre located in a mountainous area approximately 190 kilometres east-northeast of Nagqu and around 390 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, the regional capital. The quake originated at a depth of about 10 kilometres.

China Central Television (CCTV), citing local authorities, reported that 11 of the injured were in serious condition. More than 300 police personnel were deployed to assist rescue teams and support relief operations in the affected areas.

Videos circulating online showed people rushing out of restaurants and goods falling from supermarket shelves as the tremors shook buildings.

The latest earthquake comes after a devastating quake struck Tingri County in rural Tibet in January 2025, killing at least 126 people.

Meanwhile, another earthquake measuring 5.2 in magnitude struck China at 8:29 pm IST. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), its epicentre was located approximately 505 kilometres north-northwest of Pangin in Arunachal Pradesh, at a depth of 15 kilometres.