MORE than 300 homes have collapsed in Tibet after a magnitude-7.0 earthquake killed at least 16 people and injured 32 others, prompting emergency response measures as rescuers assess the extent of the damage.
The earthquake struck on Thursday night, with the epicentre in a mountainous area near Maru township in Baqen county, according to reports.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the epicentre about 190km north-east of Nagqu and 390km north-east of Lhasa, at a depth of 10km.
AFP reported that the authorities activated a Level II emergency response for earthquake disasters in the affected areas.
Maru township deputy head Lhawang Dagpo said the tremors were strongly felt at administrative offices, causing cracks in the building's walls.
Power outages and telecommunications disruptions were also reported in the county seat.
Rescue operations and damage assessments were continuing. - October 23, 2026
