- A 7.1-magnitude quake struck Tibet’s mountainous region on Tuesday morning
- At least 53 dead and 62 injured
- Footage shows widespread destruction – power and water supplies disrupted
At least 53 dead after major earthquake hits Tibet
At least 53 people have been confirmed dead and 62 injured after a powerful earthquake struck Tibet’s mountainous region on Tuesday morning, according to Chinese state media.
The 7.1-magnitude quake hit the holy city of Shigatse at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT). Data from the US Geological Survey reported the quake’s depth at 10 kilometres (6 miles), with multiple aftershocks recorded in the area.
The tremors were felt in neighbouring Nepal and parts of India. The region lies on a major geological fault line.
State broadcaster CCTV aired footage showing widespread destruction, with collapsed buildings and rescue teams navigating through debris to distribute thick blankets to survivors.
In Tingri County, near the earthquake’s epicentre, temperatures are expected to drop from -8°C (17.6°F) during the day to -18°C (0°F) at night, according to the China Meteorological Administration. Both power and water supplies in the region have been severely disrupted.