A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Tibet on Tuesday has left a devastating toll, with at least 126 people confirmed dead and nearly 200 others injured. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, including damage to over 1,000 homes, leaving streets littered with rubble and debris. The tremors were felt not only in Tibet but also in neighboring regions of Nepal and India, sparking panic and evacuations.
According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, the earthquake hit at 5:52 pm (IST), with a depth of 16 kilometers. As the damage mounts, rescue efforts are underway, with over 3,000 rescue workers deployed to the affected areas. China’s President Xi Jinping has urged for “all-out efforts” to rescue those trapped, minimize casualties, and resettle those who have lost their homes. Additionally, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has been dispatched to guide the ongoing relief operations, while the government has allocated 100 million yuan (approximately $13.6 million) for disaster relief efforts.
The earthquake caused severe damage in Tibet’s sparsely populated region, with many homes reduced to rubble. The National Centre of Seismology (NCS) reported a series of aftershocks, with about 150 recorded within nine hours following the initial quake. The city of Shigatse, located in Tibet’s seismic zone, has been one of the hardest hit. The region is home to around 800,000 people, and many homes in the area were destroyed, with some survivors seen being rescued by workers climbing over debris.
In addition to the loss of life and property, Tibet’s infrastructure has been severely affected. According to local media reports, several roads have been rendered impassable, and buildings have collapsed. In response, 22,000 disaster relief items, including tents, quilts, and emergency supplies suited for high-altitude and frigid conditions, have been dispatched to assist the affected population. Central authorities have also sent over 1,500 firefighters and rescue workers to assist with recovery efforts.
The earthquake’s impact was also felt across the border in Nepal, particularly in the Kavrepalanchwok, Sindhupalanchok, Dhading, and Solukhumbu districts. In Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, people rushed out of their homes as buildings and trees shook. The Mount Everest scenic area on the Chinese side of the border has been temporarily closed due to damage caused by the tremors.
The earthquake occurred in a region known for seismic activity, with more than 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or higher recorded last year. However, quakes of magnitude 7.0 and above are rare, making this one of the most significant earthquakes in the area in recent history.
The scale of the destruction is overwhelming, and authorities are working tirelessly to provide relief to the affected communities. Despite the challenges posed by the region’s high-altitude environment, which complicates rescue operations, efforts continue to locate survivors and bring aid to those in need.
Sources By Agencies
