Earthquake in Tibet: 6.8 Magnitude Tremor, At Least 95 Dead and 130 Injured
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 magnitude (7.1 according to the US Geological Survey) struck Tibet this morning at 9:05 local time (2:00 AM in Italy).
The epicenter was located 10 km deep in the rural county of Tingri, on the northern slopes of the Himalayas, causing severe damage throughout the region, including major cities like Shigatse.
The official death toll reports at least 95 fatalities and 130 injuries, but the numbers are expected to rise in the coming hours.
Around a thousand homes have been severely damaged, and roads and infrastructure are largely impassable. Footage and eyewitness accounts show scenes of chaos, with streets filled with debris and residents in shock.
The epicenter was located 10 km deep in the rural county of Tingri, on the northern slopes of the Himalayas, causing severe damage throughout the region, including major cities like Shigatse.
The official death toll reports at least 95 fatalities and 130 injuries, but the numbers are expected to rise in the coming hours.
Around a thousand homes have been severely damaged, and roads and infrastructure are largely impassable. Footage and eyewitness accounts show scenes of chaos, with streets filled with debris and residents in shock.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing is heading to the affected area to oversee rescue operations, while President Xi Jinping has urged local authorities to make every effort to save the missing, whose exact number remains uncertain.
The tremor was felt in neighboring countries such as India, Bhutan, and Nepal, where collapses were reported up to 400 km away, including in the capital city of Kathmandu.
One eyewitness, still in shock, shared her experience: "I was sleeping when the bed started shaking. I realized what was happening and ran outside."
Rescue teams are working to address the emergency, but damaged roads and the risk of aftershocks are complicating the operations. Continue to read more...
