Maria Imran 
A Tibet earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck Baqên County in the Nagqu region on Thursday night, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens, according to Chinese state media. The county lies about 400 km northeast of Lhasa, and authorities declared an emergency and sent rescue teams to the area.
Tibet Earthquake Strikes Baqên County at Night
Around 65 people were injured, including 11 with severe injuries, while 339 homes collapsed and power supplies were cut off. Electricity was restored in some areas by Friday morning, and more than 12,400 people were relocated. The US Geological Survey recorded seven tremors near the epicentre, the largest at magnitude 5.2 and a depth of 10 km.
Rescue Efforts Continue at High Altitude
Premier Li Qiang called for urgent efforts on rescue operations, medical treatment and resettlement, and the Ministry of Emergency Management sent a working group to guide relief work. Rockfall closed roads in the area, which lies at around 4,800 m, making access harder for crews.
More than 400 aftershocks have been recorded, and residents spent the night outdoors in subzero temperatures, using tents and cars. Rescue teams on the Tibetan Plateau are highly experienced, and drones are helping survey the affected area.
Lessons in Preparedness for Seismic Regions
Pakistan also sits in a seismically active region, and events such as this draw attention to the value of early preparation. National bodies such as the NDMA continue to promote public awareness and emergency planning, as outlined in How to Prepare for Earthquakes: Essential Safety Tips Everyone Should Know.
Pakistan has recorded smaller tremors this year, including the one covered in Strong 5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Islamabad And Parts Of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, No Damage Reported. Regular drills, resilient building practices and swift coordination between agencies would keep the country ready for a major event.
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