A strong earthquake hit a mountainous, sparsely populated area in what China administers as the Tibet Autonomous Region, killing at least 16 people, reports say.
The quake struck in a remote part of the territory, an environment where steep terrain and limited infrastructure can complicate communications and access for emergency teams. Local conditions in such areas often slow the flow of information and relief supplies.
Initial reports gave the death toll as 16 but did not provide immediate details on injuries, the scale of structural damage or the quake’s magnitude and exact time. Authorities and news organisations were still gathering information and updates were expected as reporting continued.
Beijing administers the area as the Tibet Autonomous Region. Coverage so far has focused on the human toll and the logistical challenges posed by the region’s geography; further official statements and assessments from rescue and relief agencies will be needed to clarify the full impact of the quake.