In a catastrophic morning event, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc in Tibet’s Dingri County, claiming 53 lives and leaving 62 others injured. The tremors, recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers, shook the Xigaze region in southwest China at 9:05 a.m. Beijing time. While Chinese authorities measured the quake at 6.8, the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Earthquake Center of India reported a magnitude of 7.1.
Tremors Felt Far and Wide
The epicenter, located in Tsogo Township, marked the strongest earthquake in Dingri County in five years. Surrounding areas, including Nepal’s northern districts, felt the quake intensely. Residents in Kathmandu and regions like Kavrepalanchwok, Sindhupalanchok, and Solukhumbu ran out of their homes in panic, recalling the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake that took nearly 9,000 lives. Fortunately, as per Nepal Police, no significant damages or casualties have been reported in Nepal.
Destruction in Tibet
Over 1,000 houses in Dingri County were damaged, with some completely collapsing. Home to more than 60,000 people, the affected area has plunged into chaos as rescue teams navigate the frigid conditions, where temperatures drop as low as -18°C. Early surveys indicate that approximately 6,900 people reside within a 20-kilometer radius of the epicenter, many of whom have been displaced.
All-Out Rescue Efforts
China launched immediate rescue operations, deploying over 1,500 firefighters and emergency personnel. The Earthquake Administration activated a level-II emergency response, while additional disaster relief teams have been sent to the site. Central authorities dispatched 22,000 essential items, including tents, coats, and blankets, to provide aid for those affected.
Advanced technologies, such as drones, are being used to assess the damage, while the military’s air force mobilized helicopters and transport planes to expedite the rescue mission. Despite the harsh conditions, the efforts continue tirelessly.
A Sobering Reminder
This disaster serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to seismic activity. With thousands of lives disrupted, the focus remains on providing immediate relief to those affected while preparing for long-term recovery.