Home / Disasters and Accidents / Xizang Quake: 16 Dead, Rescue Teams Battle Perilous Aftershocks
Xizang Quake: 16 Dead, Rescue Teams Battle Perilous Aftershocks
23 Oct
Summary
- A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Drachen county, causing 16 fatalities and 76 injuries.
- Rescue efforts are complicated by aftershocks and secondary hazards like landslides.
- Extreme weather and high altitude conditions create additional risks for rescue operations.
A devastating magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Drachen county in the Nagchu city of Xizang on Thursday night, resulting in 16 fatalities and injuring 76 individuals. Authorities issued warnings Friday regarding the persistent dangers of aftershocks and secondary disasters following the initial tremor.
The affected region, situated at an average elevation of nearly 4,800 meters, is susceptible to geological hazards including landslides and falling rocks. Rescue efforts are further compounded by low temperatures, snow showers, and icy conditions on high-altitude roads, posing risks to emergency vehicles.
Emergency departments are actively monitoring geological sites, reservoirs, power stations, and communication networks, conducting hourly inspections of vulnerable infrastructure. Authorities have prioritized clearing rockfalls from over 1,700 kilometers of inspected roads and bridges, while cordoning off dangerous areas to ensure search operations are conducted safely away from steep slopes. Continuous risk alerts are being issued to guide ongoing efforts.
