Powerful 7.0 Earthquake Strikes Tibet: At Least 16 Dead, 339 Homes Flattened

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.0 that struck China's Tibet region has killed at least 16 people and injured 32 others. In the disaster, which struck on Thursday night, more than three hundred houses were destroyed and the electricity supply system of the affected area collapsed completely. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the stricken area. The information was reported citing the BBC and Chinese news agency Xinhua.

The epicentre of the earthquake was in Bachen County of Tibet's Nagqu region. Quake-hit Bachen County is located about 400 kilometres northeast of the capital Lhasa. After incorporating Tibet in the 1950s, Beijing refers to the region as the 'Tibet Autonomous Region'.

Citing the local administration, reports say 339 houses have so far been flattened by the powerful tremor. As the earthquake struck in the darkness of night, many people are feared to have been buried under rubble while asleep, and officials believe the casualty figure may rise further.

To handle the overall situation, the administration has enforced special alert measures and sent emergency rescue teams to the affected area. Efforts are under way to rescue those trapped under the debris, while arrangements are being made for the treatment of the injured and shelter for the affected, reports say.

However, landslides and rockfalls have become a major obstacle to the rescue work. As it is a mountainous region, large boulders tumbled down due to the earthquake, cutting off several main local roads. Because the area is hilly and remote, the blocked roads are severely hindering rescue personnel from reaching the scene on time and carrying out relief operations.

With the electricity supply system completely collapsed, the affected area has plunged into darkness. This is hampering rescue operations at night and making communication with the victims difficult. Repair work is under way to restore power, reports say.

After the declaration of emergency, the local administration has enforced special precautions in the affected area. Alongside rescue teams, efforts are being made to deliver relief materials, but it is thought that full-scale relief delivery will be difficult until the collapsed roads are cleared.

Tibet is an earthquake-prone area of the Himalayan region. Because of its high mountainous terrain and remote communications, the risk of casualties and damage in such disasters is comparatively higher here. With this earthquake measuring 7.0, the tremor was extensive and devastating.

Although the death toll has so far been reported as at least 16 with 32 injured, the numbers may change as rescue work progresses. Rescuers are checking whether anyone else remains trapped under the debris.

All eyes are now on the rescue operation. Quickly restoring road communication and delivering relief and medical aid to the affected area is the big challenge before the administration. International media are monitoring the situation, and a full picture of casualties and damage will emerge as new information arrives.