A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Tibet’s Xizang Autonomous Region, resulting in at least 126 deaths and nearly 188 injuries. The quake struck the rural county of Dingri, near Mount Everest, causing significant damage to houses made of traditional materials like stone, clay bricks, and wood.
The most affected area is mountainous terrain on the Chinese side of Mount Everest. Dingri county, the epicenter, is home to around 62,000 people and is less developed than urban centers like Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. More than a thousand houses were affected, with some completely destroyed.
Rescue efforts in Xigaze have been mobilized with over 3,400 personnel, including firefighters, police, and military, facing challenges due to the region’s low temperatures ranging between -14°C and 4°C. The central government has dispatched assistance such as cotton tents, blankets, and cold-weather equipment to aid the affected population.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered full-scale rescue efforts to minimize casualties, ensure the safety and warmth of residents during winter, and provide medical treatment to the injured. The Dalai Lama expressed deep sorrow and offered prayers for the deceased and speedy recovery of the injured.