Number of injured in Xizang quake rises to 76 as rescue efforts continue

Sixteen people have been killed and 76 injured as of 1 pm Friday following Thursday's magnitude-7.0 earthquake in Drachen county, Xizang autonomous region, officials said at a news conference Friday.

Dondrub, mayor of Nagchu city, which administers the county, said rescuers had completed three rounds of searches, checking key areas and visiting residents in remote, scattered settlements.

Authorities have set up 18 temporary shelters and relocated 12,489 people, he said. Due to the quake, 339 households have collapsed or been damaged, along with 20 livestock sheds.

The immediate priorities are treating the injured and ensuring displaced residents have access to basic necessities, he said. Authorities will provide insulated tents and hot meals, with particular attention to older people, children, pregnant women, new mothers, and people with disabilities.