Powerful earthquake rocks remote region of Tibet, killing at least 53
At least 53 individuals have lost their lives following a significant earthquake that hit a remote area of Tibet on Tuesday morning, as reported by Chinese state media. The tremors were also felt in neighboring Nepal and parts of northern India.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, occurred at 9:05 a.m. local time and was succeeded by several aftershocks.
Both the USGS and the China Earthquake Networks Center identified the epicenter as being situated high in the remote Tibetan plateau, near the Himalayan border with Nepal.
In addition to the fatalities, 62 people sustained injuries, and over 1,000 homes were reported damaged in Tingri County, where the epicenter is located, according to the state news agency Xinhua.
Videos from Chinese social media, geolocated by CNN, depicted damaged roofs, storefronts, and debris accumulating on the streets of Lhatse County, approximately 86 kilometers (53 miles) from the epicenter. The footage also showed damage to parked cars and motorcycles along the road.
The area surrounding the epicenter is sparsely populated, although small villages are found in the remote and often inaccessible Himalayan valleys. Xinhua estimates that around 6,900 people reside in 27 villages within a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius of the epicenter.
The nearest major city to the epicenter is Shigatse, a holy city located about 180 kilometers (111 miles) away. This city serves as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual authority in Tibetan Buddhism, following the Dalai Lama.
Surveillance footage from a supermarket in Shigatse, shared by Xinhua, captured the moment the earthquake struck, showing customers fleeing as items fell from shaking shelves.
Rescue operations, which include teams from the Chinese air force, have commenced, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. By noon, three villages had reportedly lost their phone signals, according to the broadcaster.
As of noon Monday, a total of 49 aftershocks had been recorded, as stated by the China Earthquake Networks Center.
In a statement following the quake, Chinese leader Xi Jinping called on officials to make all-out efforts to search and rescue survivors, minimize casualties, properly accommodate affected residents, and ensure their safety and warmth in the winter cold.
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