A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck northern Tibet, China, on October 22, 2026 at 14:33 UTC. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) placed its epicenter approximately 191 km east-northeast of Nagqu and reported a revised depth of 18 km.
Confirmed earthquake details
- Date and time: October 22, 2026, 14:33:40 UTC.
- Magnitude: Mw 7.0.
- Location: approximately 191 km ENE of Nagqu, Tibet, China.
- USGS revised depth: 18 km.
- Coordinates: approximately 32.38°N, 93.78°E.
Some initial reporting listed a 10-km depth. The USGS later revised the estimate to 18 km; early earthquake parameters can change as more seismic data become available.
Latest official toll: 16 dead and 76 injured
Confirmed update, October 23, 2026. Nagqu municipal government officials reported that, as of 1 p.m. China time (05:00 UTC / 14:00 JST), the magnitude 7.0 earthquake had killed 16 people and injured 76. China’s Xinhua news agency published the official update at 3:07 p.m. China time (07:07 UTC / 16:07 JST). The figures remain provisional. Source: Xinhua citing Nagqu government press briefing.
The authorities reported 339 households with collapsed or damaged homes and damage to 20 livestock sheds. Earlier counts of 32 and subsequently 54 injured have been superseded by the new official figure of 76; the death toll remains 16. Xinhua: 1 p.m. damage report.
More than 5,000 rescue personnel were involved, according to Xinhua. Reuters also reported that over 12,000 people had been moved to safety and that homes left cracked or leaning could collapse in aftershocks. Reuters: updated casualty toll and rescue operations. Search, relief and damage assessments remain under way.
Aftershocks and safety precautions
Aftershocks may follow a strong earthquake. People in the affected area should avoid damaged structures, be alert to landslides and follow local emergency authorities. Learn about what to do after an earthquake.
Sources
Prepared October 23, 2026 JST. Preliminary assessments may change.
