A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck China’s Tibet Autonomous Region on Thursday night, October 22, killing at least 18 people and injuring dozens. The earthquake caused significant damage to residential buildings, raising concerns about the safety of communities in the remote, mountainous region. Rescue operations were launched as officials assessed the extent of the destruction.
A house is on the verge of collapse after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Maru Township in Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet, China https://t.co/7E8I5oiQ6R
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) October 23, 2026
The Tibet earthquake occurred at approximately 10:33 p.m. local time, with its epicentre in northern Tibet’s Nagqu region, around 390 to 400 kilometres northeast of the regional capital, Lhasa. The tremor originated at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres. The shallow depth contributed to concerns about the impact on settlements near the epicentre.
Initial assessments reported that more than 300 houses had collapsed or sustained damage. At least 46 people were reported injured, with 11 suffering serious injuries. Emergency personnel, including police and rescue teams, were deployed to assist affected residents and assess damaged buildings. Smaller tremors were also recorded in surrounding areas following the main earthquake.
MASSIVE 7.0-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS TIBET, CHINA, KILLING 16 AND INJURING 32 AS MORE THAN 300 HOMES COLLAPSE https://t.co/GYVqymfaCI
— Aerion Reporters (@Aerionreporter) October 22, 2026
The disaster has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to powerful earthquakes. Tibet experienced another devastating earthquake in January 2025, when a major tremor killed at least 126 people. The latest earthquake also comes weeks after deadly flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border caused widespread destruction. Authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate emergency assistance for communities affected by the latest disaster.
