A devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Xigaze in Tibet on Tuesday, leading to the tragic loss of at least 126 lives and injuring 188 people. The tremor, which occurred at 9:05 am local time, was centered in Dingri County, shaking the region with significant force.
The impact of the earthquake was not confined to Tibet; its tremors were felt across neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of northern India, causing widespread alarm but no immediate reports of damage outside Tibet. In Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, residents were seen rushing out of their homes as the ground shook.
Immediate rescue and relief efforts have been launched with over 1,500 firefighters and rescue workers dispatched to the affected areas. The Chinese authorities have mobilized resources, including sending essential supplies like tents, coats, and medical aid to cope with the harsh winter conditions in the high-altitude region, where temperatures can drop well below freezing.