A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck a remote stretch of the Tibet Plateau late Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported, sending strong shaking across a sparsely populated region of northern Tibet.

At least 16 people were killed, with another 32 injured as a result of the earthquake. Hundreds of homes have also reportedly collapsed in the northern regional city of Nagqu, according to the Associated Press. Search and rescue efforts continue as at least 339 homes collapsed, according to the Nagqu media office, citing city government officials. Among the injured, 11 people were in serious condition and the other 21 sustained minor injuries, the media office said.

The quake hit at 10:33 p.m. local time (2:33 p.m. UTC), with an epicenter about 118 miles east-northeast of Nagqu in the Xizang Autonomous Region of China. Nagqu is roughly 186 miles north of Tibet's capital, Lhasa. The USGS measured the quake at a shallow depth of 11 miles, which tends to amplify ground shaking at the surface.

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The USGS indicated significant casualties and damage are possible, though likely limited given the area's extremely sparse population.

The USGS also flagged a landslide hazard in the area given the steep terrain of the Tibetan Plateau.

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No injuries or confirmed damage reports had emerged as of early reports.

The region sits in one of the world's most seismically active zones, where the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates drives frequent earthquakes across Tibet and surrounding areas.

A magnitude 5.2 aftershock was felt about 45 minutes later. Aftershocks are common following events of this size and should be expected in the hours and days ahead.

This is a developing story. Information may be updated as reports come in.