Snowfall threatens rescue crews after 7.0 quake crushes 339 homes in Nagqu

A powerful tremor shook northern China on Thursday evening, leaving a trail of destruction across the high plateau. The magnitude 7 earthquake struck at 10:33 p.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The epicenter lay 191 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu. This sparsely populated area sits at a depth of 18 kilometers. The National Broadcasting Service of China called it the largest seismic event in the region in five years.

Local officials confirmed 16 deaths and 46 injuries. Eleven of the injured remain in serious condition. The Nagqu media office stated that 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed in the immediate aftermath.

More than 1,600 workers from the local county joined the rescue effort. Supply convoys delivered 1,000 prefabricated housing units. The shipments also included 3,000 tents, folding beds, flashlights, and winter clothing.

Infrastructure damage has disrupted regional movement. Railway authorities halted train traffic in the affected zone. Officials closed a section of National Highway 317 after rockfalls occurred. Only emergency and official support vehicles may pass through the blocked corridor.

Communication lines failed in parts of the district. Xinhua reported that intermittent snow is forecast for the next three days. This weather pattern could slow the ongoing search and debris clearance operations.