Kathmandu [Nepal], October 24 – A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous region killing 16 people and injuring 76 others, local authorities said Friday.
The earthquake struck at 10:33 pm on Thursday, according to the Nagqu municipal government.
More than 5,000 personnel have been deployed for search and rescue, medical treatment, temporary shelter and the distribution of essential supplies. An emergency command headquarters has been established at the disaster site to coordinate relief operations.
Authorities are conducting round-the-clock monitoring of mountainsides, reservoirs, power stations, rivers, damaged buildings and telecommunications facilities. Repairs to damaged power and communication infrastructure are also underway.
Police and transport authorities have inspected more than 1,700 kilometres of roads, 201 bridges and 324 culverts, identifying 11 potential hazards and clearing fallen rocks from seven road sections.
The Red Cross Society of China has dispatched a relief team and allocated 3,800 sets of emergency supplies. The China Charity Federation has also provided 3 million yuan (about $446,561) for rescue efforts.
