Powerful earthquake in the mountains Tibet Autonomous Region led to mass evacuations
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 occurred in the mountainous region of Tibet Autonomous Region. According to China Seismological Center, the tremors were recorded in the Baqen County county of the Nagchu urban district, and their epicenter was at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The number of people injured in the natural disaster has increased to 65: 11 people were seriously injured, another 54 suffered minor injuries. Earlier, 16 people were reported dead and 46 injured.
Due to the threat of destruction, almost 12,500 residents were urgently evacuated to safe locations. Rescue units continue to dismantle the wreckage of damaged buildings, searching for those who may have been trapped under the rubble.
Source: Tibet Earthquake Injury Toll Rises to 65 as Evacuations Continue - Tempo.co English
Context
Baqen County County is located in the northeastern part of Nagchu Urban District on the Tibetan Plateau, where the average elevation is over 4,500 meters above sea level. The region covers the upper reaches of the Salween River system (in China, Nujiang) and is characterized by a harsh high-altitude subarctic climate with cold treeless steppes and alpine meadows.
Due to its remoteness and thin air, the area has a low population density. The traditional way of life of local residents is based on semi-nomadic high-altitude animal husbandry - primarily grazing yaks and sheep on pastures, which makes logistics and emergency communication during mountain disasters dependent on the few high-altitude roads.