Xizang Autonomous Region . Photo: Shutterstock A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqen County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region late Thursday, October 22, killing 16 people and injuring 65, according to local authorities.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out search and rescue operation for missing people and called for prompt medical treatment for the injured. He also urged officials to do everything possible to minimize casualties.
The earthquake struck at 10:33 p.m. local time on Thursday in Baqen County, part of Nagqu City in the high-altitude region. The difficult conditions have raised concerns about the safety of residents and the risk of further damage.
Xi stressed the need to closely monitor seismic activity and weather conditions, warning that low temperatures and the area's high altitude could complicate rescue work and increase the risk of secondary disasters.
He also called on authorities to provide appropriate accommodation for residents affected by the earthquake, restore damaged infrastructure as quickly as possible, and protect lives and property.
Premier Li Qiang separately urged officials to strengthen disaster prevention and response efforts.
China's Ministry of Emergency Management and authorities in Xizang have mobilized resources for search, rescue and relief operations. The response is focused on locating missing people, treating the injured and providing assistance to residents displaced by the earthquake.