A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck China's Tibet region late Thursday at 10:33 p.m., marking the most powerful quake to hit the area in five years. The earthquake centered on the northern regional city of Nagqu.
Official reports indicate that at least 16 people were killed and up to 54 others injured. The disaster caused extensive damage, collapsing at least 339 homes and 20 livestock sheds, which sent residents fleeing into the cold night air.
Search and rescue efforts are currently under way as rescuers comb through remote areas of the region. Officials have also recorded at least seven aftershocks following the initial earthquake.