A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the Nagqu region of Tibet late Thursday night, killing at least 16 people, injuring 54 others, and destroying hundreds of buildings, according to Chinese state media.
The quake hit around 10:33 p.m. local time, centered roughly 120 miles from the city of Nagqu. It was the strongest earthquake to hit the region in five years and was followed by at least seven aftershocks, the largest measuring 5.2 magnitude.
Video from Nagqu showed residents running into the streets as buildings shook around them.
Local media reported 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds destroyed. More than 12,400 people were relocated, with some sheltering in cars and tents out of fear that aftershocks would bring down damaged structures. Nighttime temperatures in that part of Tibet fall well below zero, adding urgency to relief efforts.
Chinese state media said about 2,000 prefabricated houses, 3,400 tents, and 2,000 folding beds have been sent to the region, along with winter clothing and other supplies. More than 1,600 search and rescue personnel were deployed immediately after the quake, and that number grew to over 5,000 by Friday afternoon.
Power, communications, and rail travel have been disrupted in some affected areas, and forecast snow over the coming days is expected to complicate rescue work. Water and electricity have also been cut off in the nearby township of Maru, home to a little over 7,600 people according to the most recent census.
Because Tibet remains tightly controlled by the Chinese government and foreign media access is restricted, the BBC has noted that most information about the disaster is coming through Chinese state outlets rather than independent reporting.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping issued a statement Friday calling for “all-out search and rescue efforts for the missing, and prompt medical treatment for the injured.” Premier Li Qiang issued a similar statement.
