16 killed, 65 injured after 7.0-magnitude quake hits China's Xizang

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out search and rescue efforts for the missing and prompt medical treatment for the injured after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck a county in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Thursday night, Xinhua news agency reported.

The earthquake struck Baqen County in Nagqu City, Xizang (Tibet), at 10:33 p.m. Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The quake has left 16 people dead and 65 injured, according to local authorities.

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.

Efforts should be made to properly accommodate the affected residents, repair damaged infrastructure as quickly as possible, and safeguard people's lives and property, Xi said.