Xi orders all-out rescue efforts after 7.0-magnitude quake in Xizang

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City, Xizang, at 10:33 p.m. on Thursday, according to local authorities. The quake left 16 people dead and 65 injured, the authorities said.

Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, issued an important instruction urging every effort to minimize casualties. Noting that the affected area is at a high altitude with low temperatures, Xi stressed the need to closely monitor seismic activity and weather conditions to prevent secondary disasters. He also called for properly accommodating affected residents, repairing damaged infrastructure as quickly as possible, and safeguarding people's lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, called for solid disaster prevention and response efforts. The Ministry of Emergency Management and authorities in Xizang have mobilized resources for rescue and relief operations.

According to Xinhua, the report added that the affected area's high altitude and cold conditions are a focus of the response, with officials directed to watch for secondary disasters while rescue and relief work continues.