As per reports, casualties and damage have been reported following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Baqing County, also known as Baqen County, in Nagqu, Tibet Autonomous Region, at 2233 hours (local time) on Thursday (22 October). The China Earthquake Networks Centre recorded the epicentre at 32.40 degrees north, 93.79 degrees east, at a depth of ten kilometres.
The following are the latest developments as of Friday (23 October):
• At least 18 people have reportedly died. Injury figures vary between updates: a report citing the local earthquake relief headquarters recorded 46 injured, including 11 seriously injured, as of 0520 hours (local time). Search and rescue operations remain underway.
• At least 339 homes have reportedly collapsed. Police and fire rescue teams are establishing tents to accommodate displaced residents.
• Tremors were felt across all ten townships in Baqing County. Maru and Gangqie townships, near the epicentre, experienced strong shaking and cracks in houses. Local emergency management, medical and other departments mobilised personnel, vehicles and supplies, while volunteers prepared food, drinking water and tents.
• Rockfalls damaged a section of National Highway G317 and roadside barriers in Baqing County; a passing vehicle was also damaged. Road maintenance teams cleared the affected stretch, restoring passage by 0300 hours (local time) on Friday (23 October).
• The China Earthquake Administration activated a Level II emergency response. Separately, the national earthquake relief authorities and Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV earthquake disaster emergency response.
• Power supply was cut off and telecommunications services were disrupted in Baqen county town following the earthquake. Tremors were also felt in Qamdo and Nyingchi.
Categories: Natural Disasters - Earthquake
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