Tibet earthquake: 16 dead, 54 injured as Xi orders all-out rescue; Zardari, Shehbaz offer condolences
BEIJING: At least 16 people were killed and 54 others injured after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, commonly known as Tibet, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The Tibet earthquake 16 dead toll was reported a day after the quake. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered all-out search and rescue efforts for missing people and prompt medical treatment for the injured.
This is a follow-up to our earlier report on the quake, which covered the initial impact.
Tibet earthquake 16 dead: emergency response raised to Level III
China upgraded its national earthquake emergency response from Level IV to Level III on Friday, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. A work team was dispatched to the affected area to guide and assist rescue and relief efforts.
China’s National Fire and Rescue Force sent 350 rescuers and 83 vehicles to the area. As of 6:30am on Thursday, 120 rescuers and 27 vehicles had arrived, while the rest were on their way.
Authorities also mobilised relief supplies, including 1,000 prefabricated housing units, 3,239 tents, 2,821 folding beds and 4,280 quilts, according to Xinhua.
The US Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, about 183 kilometres from Nagqu. The USGS issued a yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities, indicating casualties were possible, and an orange alert for economic losses, warning that significant damage was likely and the impact could be widespread.
“Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of China’s GDP. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response,” the USGS said. The agency also noted that people in the region generally live in structures vulnerable to earthquake shaking.
Zardari and Shehbaz express grief
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives, Radio Pakistan reported.
In separate posts on X, they extended heartfelt condolences to President Xi Jinping, the bereaved families and the people of China.
The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with China and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
The prime minister said Pakistan stood in solidarity with its Chinese brothers and sisters in that difficult time and was ready to extend every possible support.
The condolences reflect the depth of the Pakistan-China relationship. Field Marshal Asim Munir has recently hailed the Pakistan-China friendship, and Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China produced major trade and investment agreements.
Earthquakes are a recurring threat across the region. Tremors from a 5.2-magnitude quake off Oman were felt in Balochistan earlier this month, and Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been jolted this year.
Sources: The Express Tribune reported the updated toll.
FAQ
How many people died in the Tibet earthquake?
At least 16 people were killed and 54 others injured after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City, according to Xinhua News Agency.
What did Xi Jinping order after the quake?
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered all-out search and rescue efforts for missing people and prompt medical treatment for the injured. China raised its national earthquake emergency response from Level IV to Level III.
What did Pakistan’s leaders say?
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief in separate posts on X, extended condolences to President Xi Jinping and the bereaved families, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with China.
