A magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook China's Tibet Autonomous Region, resulting in at least 16 deaths and 32 injuries. More than 300 houses collapsed, while electrical and telecommunications systems were disrupted. Officials are rushing to assist those affected.
On 23 October 2026, China's official Xinhua News Agency reported that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck a remote area of the Tibet Autonomous Region at 22:33 local time on Thursday, causing at least 16 deaths and 32 injuries.
The report stated that more than 300 houses collapsed, while officials continue to assess damage and provide relief. Authorities have declared a level 2 earthquake disaster response.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake's epicenter was in mountainous terrain in Maru Township, Baxoi County, approximately 390 kilometers northeast of Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, with a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers.
Lawang Dakpo, deputy head of the township, said the tremors were clearly felt inside the township office, where cracks appeared on the walls. Additionally, power and telecommunications systems in the county office area were affected.
Previously, in January 2025, a severe earthquake struck Tibet, killing at least 126 people in Tingri County, a rural area of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Source: Xinhua, CNN
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