A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck China's Tibet autonomous region with the United States Geological Survey warning of potential widespread damage.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers, about 183 kilometers from Nagqu City in the northern part of the autonomous region officially known as Xizang.
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The USGS issued a yellow alert for potential fatalities, meaning several people may die. The agency also issued an orange alert for potential economic losses.
An orange warning indicates the possibility of significant damage with widespread impacts. The USGS estimates economic losses at less than one percent of China's gross domestic product (GDP)
"Previous earthquake events at this alert level have required a response at the regional or national level," the USGS said in a statement.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the earthquake. However, the USGS noted that residents in the area generally live in buildings vulnerable to earthquake shaking.
Chinese authorities activated a Level II emergency response.
This response is implemented if the initial earthquake is assessed as a serious disaster or an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 to less than 7.0 in a critical area.
The Tibet region was previously hit by massive flash floods triggered by ice and rock avalanches on Mount Langtang Lirung, Nepal, in August.
Nearly 1,500 people have died on both sides of the border. Thousands more remain missing. In China, the death toll has reached 43, with 519 missing.
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