Chinese state media reported that at least 16 people were killed and 65 others injured after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the Tibet region in the southwest of the country; relief and damage assessment operations are still ongoing.
The earthquake occurred on Thursday evening, October 20, in the Nagchu region. Its epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers and about 400 kilometers from Lhasa, the center of Tibet. Earthquake tremors were also felt in surrounding areas.
At least 339 houses and 20 livestock pens have been destroyed or damaged, according to Chinese state media. Reuters reported that more than 12,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas to safer places, and more than 300 police have been dispatched to the area to provide assistance and inspect buildings.
Hundreds of aftershocks have been recorded since the main earthquake. Local authorities are assessing the extent of damage and relief needs in the affected areas.
