Earthquake in Tibet: Rescuers search among destroyed homes

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7 in the Tibetan region of Nagchu killed 16 people, injured 54, destroyed hundreds of homes. Rescue efforts are complicated by weather and geography, and humanitarian aid is being urgently delivered. Israel’s reaction to the event was not recorded in open sources.

In the remote area of Nagchu in the north of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred, killing at least 16 people and leading to the hospitalization of 54 victims, the Associated Press reports, citing official Chinese sources and data from the US Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter of the tremors was located 191 kilometers east-north-east of the city of Nagchu at a depth of 18 kilometers, which caused significant destruction in the region, located at an altitude of about 4800 meters above sea level.

Immediately after the tragedy, the authorities mobilized more than 5,000 rescuers from three counties, who conducted three rounds of search operations, surveying each courtyard and each village, Acting Mayor Nagchu Dunju said at a press conference. Of particular concern are possible new building collapses due to aftershocks and the threat of landslides, as well as worsening weather conditions - snowfall is expected in the coming days, which may hamper access to affected areas.

As a result of the earthquake, at least 339 houses were completely destroyed, hundreds of families were left homeless. To provide emergency assistance, 2,000 prefabricated houses, about 3,400 tents, 2,000 folding beds, as well as lanterns and winter clothes have already been delivered to the region. Authorities have set up temporary accommodation facilities, including on the grounds of local schools, to ensure safety and warmth for residents who have lost their homes.

The natural disaster has also led to disruptions in communications and transport infrastructure: part of the G317 national highway is blocked due to rockfalls, trains in the region are temporarily suspended to avoid new casualties and allow rescuers to work without interference. According to the USGS, at least seven aftershocks of magnitude 4.3 to 5.2 were recorded after the main tremor, which maintains the risk of further destruction.

Despite the scale of the tragedy, the international response, including from Israel, in open sources at the time of publication is not noted. Chinese authorities continue to coordinate rescue and humanitarian operations and urge residents to remain vigilant against possible aftershocks and adverse weather conditions.

Technical data and results:

Indicator Value

Earthquake magnitude 7.0

Epicenter of 191 km BSV from Nagchu, depth of 18 km (USGS)

The height of the region ~ 4800 m above sea level

Dead 16

Injured 54

Homes destroyed 339 +

Rescuers 5000 +

Temporary housing 2,000 prefabricated houses, 3400 tents

Aftershocks 7 (magnitude 4.3–5.2)

Coverage of G317 highway

Stopping trains Yes

Forecast Snowfall, risk of landslides, aftershocks

In the coming days, the focus will be on finding possible survivors under the rubble, providing shelter and basic necessities, and restoring transport and communication links. Given the weather conditions and the ongoing aftershocks, the situation remains tense, and developments will depend on the effectiveness of the coordination of rescue services and the speed of delivery of humanitarian assistance.