Andrea Innocenti In the late afternoon of October 22, 2026, a powerful magnitude 7 earthquake struck the Tibetan Plateau, causing panic and destruction in an already difficult-to-reach area. The event, recorded at 22:33 PM local time (16:33 PM GMT), affected Baqen District, about 400 km northeast of the regional capital Lhasa.
The force of the earthquake was also felt in local administrations, where walls began to crack, leaving the population with no previous assurances of safety.
Technical data of the earthquake and affected area
According to measurements by the U.S. Geological Survey , the epicenter was located about 190 km east-northeast of Nagqu, with a depth of only 10 km, typical of shallow earthquakes that tend to cause more evident damage at the surface.
The affected area is predominantly mountainous, characterized by scattered villages and limited infrastructure, which complicated emergency operations from the first minute after the earthquake.
Geography and population at risk
Baqen district, part of Maru municipality, is home to several hundred families living in traditional wood and terracotta brick dwellings.
Population density is low, but structural vulnerability is high, with many homes built without adequate earthquake-proofing. This has led to the collapse of more than 300 buildings , leaving numerous people homeless and in need of immediate assistance.
Human impact and structural damage
Initial estimates from local authorities indicate 16 dead and 46 injured , 11 of whom are in critical condition. Rescue workers reported that many victims were buried under the rubble of collapsed houses, while the injured suffered crush injuries and fractures. In addition to the loss of life, the power grid and telecommunications lines were down, paralyzing communications in the county. Rail service was suspended, hampering further logistical assistance.
Rescue operations and institutional response
The Beijing government immediately activated Level III emergency protocols, directing a massive team of firefighters , civil defense , and volunteers. Over 300 police officers were deployed across the country, while firefighting units mobilized 347 teams for rescue excavations. Authorities also set up temporary shelters for displaced people, providing shelter, food, and medical care. Premier Li Qiang called for continuous monitoring and enhanced prevention measures to avoid further tragedies.