A 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake in Tibet Has Resulted in 16 Fatalities and 46 Injuries!

Image Caption: A witness to the January 7, 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tibet describes their escape and the devastation in the affected area to a Dajiyuan reporter. (Photo provided by interviewee to Dajiyuan)

[People News] A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Tibet late at night on October 22, with the disaster continuing to worsen. As of now, this strong quake has led to at least 16 deaths and 46 injuries, including 11 people seriously injured and 21 with minor injuries, while at least 339 houses have collapsed.

The earthquake struck at 10:33 PM on October 22, with its epicentre located in Baqing County, Nagqu City, Tibet, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometres. Data from the China Earthquake Networks Centre indicates that the average altitude near the epicentre is approximately 4,800 meters, categorising it as a high-altitude region.

Local reports indicate that all 10 townships in Baqing County experienced tremors, with Maru Township and Gangqie Township, located closer to the epicentre, feeling the shaking more intensely. Some buildings have sustained cracked walls and collapsed structures, and there were temporary disruptions to electricity and communication services in the area.

Videos shared by local netizens and released by mainland media depict scenes of panic as residents fled their homes during the earthquake, with some seeking refuge in cars parked along the roadside. One resident recounted being jolted awake from sleep by the violent shaking, noting that their house emitted strange noises as it swayed.

Given that the earthquake zone is situated in a cold, high-altitude area and has experienced continuous aftershocks, there are growing concerns regarding the safety, warmth, and subsequent resettlement of local residents.

As of now, the Chinese Communist authorities have not provided an exact number of missing persons, and the full extent of the disaster remains to be confirmed.
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