7.0 Magnitude Earthquake in Tibet Claims 16 Lives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Confirms No WNI Among Victims

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) Heni Hamidah emphasized that no Indonesian citizens (WNI) were reported as casualties in the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet, China, on Thursday (22/10/2026).

"According to reports from the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, there have been no reports of WNI affected by the earthquake thus far," Heni stated in a brief message on Friday night (23/10/2026).

She continued, local authorities reported at least 16 fatalities due to the earthquake.

Additionally, there were 46 injuries, with preliminary damage assessed at 339 collapsed homes and 20 livestock pens.

"Local authorities have deployed over 1,600 personnel for search, rescue, and victim assistance, as well as providing various logistical aid to the affected areas," Heni said.

Heni also mentioned that the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing had disseminated information related to the earthquake and safety advisories to all WNI in its jurisdiction via a Hotline on Weixin (Wechat).

"In emergency situations, WNI affected by the earthquake and/or needing assistance can contact the Indonesian Embassy Hotline at 86-186-1045-5488 (Wechat)," Heni added.

Earthquake Phenomena in China

Earthquakes are not uncommon in China, including in Tibet and surrounding areas.

In January 2025, an earthquake shook Tingri, a rural area in Tibet, resulting in at least 126 fatalities.

Previously, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Yushu in Qinghai Province in 2010. This area, located about 280 kilometers from the latest quake's epicenter, is adjacent to Tibet.

The Yushu earthquake of 2010 became one of the deadliest disasters in the region, with at least 2,698 fatalities and nearly 300 individuals reported missing.