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 46 others.

The regional disaster prevention, reduction and relief committee activated a Level III emergency response for natural disaster relief on Friday.

Xinhua news agency reported that over 330 houses collapsed or were damaged.

As of 5.20 am on Friday, 11 of the injured were in serious condition, while 35 sustained minor injuries.

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 10.33 pm on Thursday, according to the city's earthquake relief headquarters. (Reporting by Xinhua)



Edited by Cecil Wong