A powerful earthquake struck Tibet in southwestern China, causing deaths, injuries and damage to residential buildings. According to the initial information in the report, the magnitude-7 earthquake killed 16 people and injured around 50 others, with 11 reportedly in critical condition. The epicentre was described as being in a sparsely populated, high-altitude area, with the quake originating around 10 kilometres below the ground. Tremors were felt at approximately 8:03 p.m. Indian Standard Time on Thursday, triggering panic among residents. People rushed out of their homes and sought shelter in vehicles parked along the streets. Images from the affected region showed residents fleeing buildings and visible cracks in the walls of several houses. The affected area was reported to be around 400 kilometres from Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. Following the earthquake, local authorities began relief and rescue operations to assess the damage and assist those affected. The casualty figures remain preliminary and may change as rescue teams reach more locations and officials gather further information about the extent of the destruction.
