China Tibet Earthquake: More than 400 people trapped by a powerful earthquake in the Himalayan foothills have been rescued, according to Chinese officials. Additionally, over 30,000 residents have been relocated as the search for survivors continued into its second day on Wednesday. At least 126 people were reported dead and 188 injured in Tibet, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV. The magnitude 6.8 earthquake, one of the strongest in recent years, struck on Tuesday with its epicenter in Tingri, located in China’s Tibet region, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Mount Everest. The tremor also shook buildings in neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
Survivors trapped under rubble in sub-zero temperatures
Survivors trapped under rubble endured a night in sub-zero temperatures, facing risks of hypothermia and dehydration. In the high-altitude region, temperatures dropped to as low as minus 18°C (0°F) overnight, compounding the struggles of those left homeless.
Earthquake Damage Assessment
An initial survey revealed that 3,609 homes were destroyed in Tibet’s Shigatse region, which has a population of 800,000. Chinese state media reported that more than 500 responders and 106 ambulances were deployed to assist the injured.
Relief and Infrastructure Repair
Emergency supplies, including tents, food rations, and electrical generators, reached affected areas by Tuesday evening. Damaged roads were reopened, ensuring access for rescue and relief operations, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Seismic Activity in the Region
Southwestern China, Nepal, and northern India are prone to earthquakes due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This movement is responsible for the formation of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, a seismically active zone. Since Tuesday’s quake, more than 500 aftershocks, with magnitudes reaching 4.4, have been recorded, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre.
A History of Devastating Earthquakes
The region has a history of devastating earthquakes. In 2008, an 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan claimed at least 70,000 lives, making it the deadliest quake in China since the 1976 Tangshan disaster, which killed 242,000 people. Tuesday’s quake was the most severe since a 6.2 magnitude tremor in 2023, which killed at least 149 people in a remote area of northwestern China.