Strong and shallow M7.0 earthquake hits Xizang-Qinghai border region, China

The epicenter was located 191 km (119 miles) ENE of Nagqu (population 30 000), 350 km (218 miles) WNW of Qamdo (population 86 280), 396 km (246 miles) NE of Dêqên (population 62 400), 397 km (247 miles) NE of Lhasa (population 118 721), and 432 km (268 miles) N of Shi Yomi (population 13 310), India.

4 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 3 000 severe, 39 000 strong, 86 000 moderate, 722 000 light and 11 000 weak.

The USGS issued a Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and an Orange alert for economic losses. Some casualties are possible, and significant damage is likely, with potentially widespread impacts. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of China’s GDP. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national-level response.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud construction.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

References:

¹ M7.0 earthquake Xizang-Qinghai border region, China – USGS – October 22, 2026

² M7.0 earthquake Xizang-Qinghai border region, China – EMSC – October 22, 2026