China’s Xi Jinping orders urgent relief after Tibet earthquake leaves 16 dead

What happened: A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck China's Tibet autonomous region overnight, killing 16 and injuring 54. President Xi Jinping ordered search and rescue efforts focused on survivors and treatment of the injured. Key numbers: Magnitude 7.0; 16 dead; 54 injured. Why it matters: Xi said the high-altitude, cold-weather location requires close monitoring of seismic activity and weather, with rescue operations adjusted accordingly and secondary disasters prevented.

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck China's Tibet autonomous region overnight, killing 16 and injuring 54. President Xi Jinping ordered search and rescue efforts focused on survivors and treatment of the injured.

Xi said the high-altitude, cold-weather location requires close monitoring of seismic activity and weather, with rescue operations adjusted accordingly and secondary disasters prevented.