Xi orders all-out rescue after Xizang quake
Oct 23, 2026
President Xi Jinping on Friday ordered all-out rescue efforts after a 7.0-magnitude quake toppled hundreds of houses in Xizang Autonomous Region, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 50 others.
Xi said every effort should be made to minimise casualties.
The regional disaster prevention, reduction and relief committee activated a Level III emergency response for natural disaster relief on Friday. The State Council earthquake relief headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management also upgraded the national earthquake emergency response from Level IV to Level III.
Xinhua news agency reported that over 330 houses collapsed or were damaged.
As of 7am on Friday, 11 of the injured were in serious condition, while 43 sustained minor injuries.
The city's earthquake relief headquarters said more than 12,000 residents have been evacuated.
The damage caused by the quake is being further evaluated, and disaster relief work is underway, Xinhua said.
Quake relief supplies have been arriving at the quake-hit zone as of early Friday morning, including 1,000 sets of prefabricated houses, more than 3,200 tents, over 2,800 folding beds, and other daily necessities like quilts, stoves and clothes.
The tremor struck Baqen County of Nagqu City at 10.33pm on Thursday, according to the city's earthquake relief headquarters. (Reporting by Xinhua)
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Last updated: 2026-10-23 HKT 11:16
Edited by Cecil Wong
