THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Beijing, Jan 7: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 struck Dingri County in Tibet’s Xigaze, early Tuesday, leaving at least 53 people dead and 62 injured. The tremors, which were also felt in neighboring Nepal, caused widespread panic as buildings shook and residents rushed to safety.
The quake hit at 9:05 am (Beijing Time), according to local authorities, while the US Geological Survey recorded its magnitude as 7.1.
In response, China Earthquake Administration initiated a level-II emergency operation, dispatching teams to assist with rescue and relief efforts.
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Over 1,500 firefighters and rescue workers have been deployed, along with 22,000 disaster relief supplies, including tents, coats, and quilts suitable for the harsh high-altitude conditions.
Xigaze, near the Indian border and home to Tibet’s revered Panchen Lama, is considered one of the region’s holiest cities.
The epicenter was pinpointed in Tsogo Township, an area with 27 villages and a population of approximately 6,900 within a 20-km radius. The broader Dingri County houses over 61,000 residents, highlighting the scale of the disaster’s potential impact.
