A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck near one of Tibet’s holiest cities on Tuesday, killing at least 126 people and injuring 188 others with tremors also shaking buildings and forcing people to run to the streets in neighbouring Nepal. According to regional disaster relief headquarters, the quake jolted Dingri County in Xigaze in Tibet Autonomous Region in China at 9:05 am Tuesday (Beijing Time). The US Geological Service, however, put the quake’s magnitude at 7.1. At least 126 people have been confirmed dead and 188 others injured, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts to carry out relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Xi ordered utmost efforts to treat the injured and urged efforts to prevent secondary disasters, properly resettle affected residents, and handle the aftermath work effectively.

 

Following the quake, China Earthquake Administration launched a level-II emergency service response and sent a work team to the site to assist with disaster relief efforts. Xizang Autonomous Region also issued a level-II emergency response to the quake. Some 22,000 disaster relief items, including cotton tents, cotton coats, quilts and folding beds, together with special relief materials for high-altitude and frigid areas, have been dispatched by central authorities to the quake-hit area. Over 1,500 local firefighters and rescue workers have also been dispatched to the ground. Xigaze also known as Shigaste is close to the border with India. Shigatse is considered one of the holiest cities of Tibet. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure of Tibetan Buddhism whose spiritual authority is second only to the Dalai Lama. The epicentre was located in Tsogo Township of Dingri County, which has a population of approximately 6,900 people within a 20-km radius. There are 27 villages within this area. Official data show Dingri County has a population of over 61,000 people.

 

The epicentre is located 90 km North-East of Lobutse in the Khumbu Himalayan range of North-East Nepal. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, according to a report issued by the China Earthquake Networks Centre, state-run Xinhua reported. In his message, President Xi said it is essential to strengthen earthquake monitoring and early warning, promptly allocate emergency rescue supplies, expedite the repair of damaged infrastructure, ensure that the basic needs of residents are met, and guarantee a safe and warm winter for all. India condoles loss of life: INDIA on Tuesday expressed condolences on the deaths and destruction caused by a devastating earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region. “Government and people of India express condolences on the tragic loss of life and property caused by the devastating earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.

 

‘Deeply saddened’: Dalai Lama: TIBETAN spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Tuesday expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives in a devastating earthquake in Dingri County of Tibet. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in Xigaze in Tibet Autonomous Region in China, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130 others with tremors also shaking buildings and forcing people to run to the streets in neighbouring Nepal. The quake jolted Dingri County at 9:05 am Tuesday (Beijing Time). The US Geological Service, however, put the quake’s magnitude at 7.1. According to the official site, the Dalai Lama said he is “deeply saddened” to learn of the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri in Tibet and the surrounding regions this morning. “It has resulted in the tragic loss of many lives, numerous injuries, and extensive destruction to homes and property,” he said in a message. “I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured,” he added. The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala for several decades.