China’s president, Xi Jinping, has ordered the mobilization of all capabilities for search-saving operations after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Tibetan region, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens of others injured.

The quake struck Thursday evening an area of high height and rare populations in northern Tibet, near the town of Nagqu.

According to data published by Chinese authorities, dozens of people have been injured, while hundreds of homes have collapsed, leaving many residents homeless, writes Ap.

Xi has asked rescue teams to do everything to find missing persons, offer medical treatment to the injured and minimize further loss of lives.

More than 1600 people have engaged in rescue operations. Thousands of tents, folded beds, winter clothing and prefabricated residential units have also been sent to the affected residents.

Volunteers have also caused communication disruptions in some areas. Authorities have temporarily halted the flow of trains in the affected region, while rocks have forced the closure of part of the 317 national highway.

Emergency teams are working on waste disposal and road opening so that rescue vehicles can access damaged areas.

The situation is expected to make conditions even more difficult, predicting occasional snowfall during the coming days.

The quake is among the most powerful to have hit the region in the past five years. Chinese authorities are continuing to assess the damage and search operations for people who may have remained in ruins. /Telegraphy/

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