At least 32 people have been confirmed dead and 38 injured after a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in the city of Xigaze, located in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, at 9:05 a.m. Beijing Time on Tuesday. The quake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, with many structures near the epicenter collapsing.
Social media is awash with videos showing shattered rooftops and windows, as residents grapple with the aftermath of the disaster. The tremors were so strong that they were felt in Kathmandu, the capital of neighboring Nepal, nearly 400 kilometers away.
In response to the emergency, China’s State Council’s earthquake relief and emergency management departments have activated a Level-3 emergency response. A working group has been dispatched to the affected areas to guide rescue and relief efforts.
The Western Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has also mobilized a team of 50 personnel to the disaster-stricken region to assist in search and rescue operations. Their swift deployment underscores the urgency of reaching survivors and providing necessary aid.
As rescue teams navigate the rubble, the number of casualties may rise. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines to minimize further risks.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
