Tibet earthquake kills 16, collapses 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds

A powerful earthquake measuring 7 in magnitude struck Tibet, killing at least 16 people, injuring 54 and leaving hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed, according to official media reports cited by the Associated Press (AP). Rescue teams were working in the affected areas as authorities assessed the damage and continued efforts to locate and assist those in need.

At least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed in the northern regional city of Nagqu, the city's media office said, citing government officials. Search and rescue operations were underway following the disaster.

Earthquake strikes sparsely populated region

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 10.33 pm local time, with its epicentre located 191 km (119 miles) east-northeast of Nagqu. The quake originated in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area of northern Tibet.

The USGS estimated the earthquake's depth at 18 km (11 miles), while initial reports cited a depth of 10 km. Nagqu is situated more than 300 km (186 miles) north of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

The earthquake also triggered rockfalls, disrupting movement along a section of National Highway 317. Authorities closed the affected stretch to regular traffic, allowing only emergency, rescue and official support vehicles to pass while crews cleared debris, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported, according to AP.

Snowfall, communication disruptions pose challenges

Rescue efforts could face further difficulties as intermittent snowfall is forecast in the earthquake-hit region over the next three days, Xinhua reported. The weather conditions may complicate operations as emergency teams continue their work.

Communications have also been disrupted in parts of the affected region, adding to the challenges faced by authorities responding to the disaster.

Local railway authorities have introduced emergency measures to stop trains from passing through the affected area, according to the reports.

China's state broadcaster CCTV described the earthquake as the region's biggest in the past five years. Rescue operations remain underway as authorities work to respond to the destruction caused by the tremor.