A powerful earthquake struck Tibet, China, on Tuesday, killing at least 53 people and causing widespread destruction.
The earthquake hit the remote region of Dingri County, near the border with Nepal, at 9:05 am local time (0105 GMT). The quake had a magnitude of 6.8, according to China’s Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), though the US Geological Survey measured it at 7.1.
The tremor also shook Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and parts of India. Videos from China’s state broadcaster CCTV showed houses torn apart, with rubble scattered across the area. Rescue workers were seen digging through debris to search for survivors and handing out blankets to locals to help them stay warm.
In the town of Lhatse, videos showed debris blocking streets, while in stores, CCTV footage captured people running as shelves violently shook, sending items like toys crashing to the floor.
The earthquake caused significant damage in Dingri County, with over 1,000 homes reported to have been damaged. Many buildings near the epicenter collapsed. Xinhua, China’s state news agency, confirmed that 53 people had been killed and 62 others injured by Tuesday afternoon.
Temperatures in the area were freezing, with current temperatures around -8°C (17.6°F) and expected to drop to -18°C later in the evening. The region is already struggling with the cold, making rescue and relief efforts even more urgent.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered immediate search and rescue operations, urging authorities to minimize casualties, provide aid to the affected residents, and ensure their safety during the winter months. Relief supplies, including cotton tents, blankets, and other items suited for the cold, were sent to the area.
Dingri County is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, close to Mount Everest, and has a population of around 62,000 people. The region is known for its seismic activity, but this earthquake was the strongest in the area in the past five years.
The earthquake also affected Nepal, where tremors were felt in high-altitude areas near Mount Everest. In the town of Namche, government official Jagat Prasad Bhusal reported that the shaking was strong enough to wake people up, but no major damage or casualties had been reported in Nepal. Nepal lies on a major geological fault, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence in the region.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has expressed heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of lives in the earthquake. In a statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan extends its support to the people and Chinese government in their relief efforts. "Our thoughts remain with the injured and those still missing," it added.