NAGQU, TIBET | October 23, 2026 — At least 16 people have died and 76 have been injured after a magnitude-7 earthquake struck the Nagqu region of northern Tibet, according to the latest figures reported by Reuters, citing local authorities.
The quake struck late on Thursday in a remote, high-altitude area. Emergency personnel have been deployed to assess damage, assist residents and move people away from buildings that may have been weakened by the tremor.
Rescue and relief operations continue
Authorities have reported hundreds of aftershocks. Buildings with structural cracks remain a concern, while rescue teams are working across a region where high elevation, remote settlements and difficult conditions can complicate emergency response.
State media reported that more than 12,000 people had been moved to safer locations. Officials are continuing to assess damage to homes and infrastructure, and the casualty figures may change as information from affected areas is verified.
Why the location matters
Nagqu lies in a sparsely populated part of the Tibetan Plateau, where settlements sit at high altitude and access can be challenging. The scale of the damage and the impact on local communities are still being assessed.
What we know so far:
- Magnitude: 7.0, according to reports cited by international news agencies.
- Deaths: 16 reported.
- Injuries: 76 in the latest Reuters update; figures may vary as official updates are released.
- Response: Rescue and relief teams are assessing damage and helping residents reach safer locations.
Sources and updates
This report is based on reporting by Reuters and the Associated Press. The injury totals differ between updates from different reporting times; GAWAH will update this story as verified information becomes available.
— GAWAH News Desk
