RESCUE EFFORTS CONTINUE IN EARTHQUAKE-HIT TIBET REGION
BEIJING (AP) — Rescue operations are ongoing in the cold, high-altitude Tibet region in western China, following a devastating earthquake on Tuesday that left a trail of destruction in its wake. At least 126 people have been reported dead, with another 188 individuals injured as of Tuesday evening.
The earthquake, which struck approximately 75 kilometers (50 miles) from Mount Everest and the border with Nepal, has prompted a massive response effort to locate survivors and provide aid to those affected. Tents, quilts, and other essential relief items are being delivered to offer shelter to residents whose homes have been destroyed or rendered unsafe.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the confirmed death toll continues to rise, with reports indicating that more victims may still be trapped under the rubble. The village of Gurum, in particular, has suffered significant losses, with at least 22 residents confirmed dead, including the mother of the village’s Communist Party chief, Tsering Phuntsog. Phuntsog recounted the harrowing experience, noting the challenges faced by residents, especially the elderly and young children, in escaping the quake’s impact.
According to preliminary assessments, over 3,600 houses have collapsed, displacing around 30,000 residents in the affected areas. The city government in Shigatse, also known as Xigaze in Chinese, has been actively involved in coordinating relief efforts and managing the relocation of displaced individuals.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has mobilized a team of 1,850 rescuers on the ground, supported by firefighters and other personnel to assist in search and rescue operations. Despite the challenging conditions and sub-zero temperatures in the region, rescue workers remain dedicated to locating survivors and providing critical assistance to those in need.
Following the initial earthquake, more than 500 aftershocks have been recorded, amplifying the sense of urgency in the ongoing response efforts. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake as a magnitude 7.1 event, while China’s earthquake center recorded it as a magnitude 6.8, underscoring the seismic intensity of the disaster.
As the rescue operations continue and the scale of the devastation becomes clearer, authorities and relief agencies are working tirelessly to address the immediate needs of the affected population and ensure that those impacted by the earthquake receive the necessary support and care in this challenging time.
