1,600 workers mobilize to clear debris in Nagqu after 7.0 quake
Relief shipments of 1,000 prefabricated homes and winter gear are moving into the region as snow complicates rescue efforts.
By Pavel Bell ·
Rescue crews are currently clearing debris on National Highway 317 following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck northern Tibet. The tremor occurred at 10:33 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Officials have authorized only emergency and support vehicles to pass through the affected section while workers remove fallen rock.
The Nagqu media office reported that 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds collapsed in the area. At least 16 people died and 46 were injured, with 11 listed in serious condition. More than 1,600 personnel from the local county have been deployed to the site. Authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations remain active.
Logistics teams have delivered 1,000 prefabricated housing units, 3,000 tents, and folding beds to the region. Additional supplies include flashlights and winter clothing. Xinhua reported that communication links are down in parts of the zone. Local railway authorities halted train traffic to prevent further damage.
The U.S. Geological Survey located the epicenter 191 kilometers east-northeast of Nagqu at a depth of 18 kilometers. Nagqu is situated over 300 kilometers north of Lhasa. CCTV identified the event as the strongest seismic activity in the region for the past five years.
Weather forecasts indicate intermittent snow will fall across the quake zone for the next three days. This weather pattern could slow the pace of recovery work and affect the distribution of relief supplies to displaced residents.
Source: CBC News
