Desk:A devastating earthquake struck Shigatse city in Tibet Autonomous Region, China, on Tuesday morning, causing widespread damage. The quake, with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale, resulted in the deaths of 53 people and left many injured. The tremors were felt at 9:05 AM local time. The most severe impact was observed in Dingri County of Shigatse city. The earthquake’s epicenter was located at 28.5° North latitude and 87.45° East longitude, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
According to reports, the earthquake’s intensity led to the collapse of several buildings. CCTV footage released by China’s state broadcaster showed homes reduced to rubble, with shattered walls and debris scattered across streets. Rescue workers were seen searching through the wreckage, while local residents were provided with thick blankets to protect them from the cold. Some videos captured people running through corridors, while items inside homes were seen shaking and falling to the floor. In one video, debris was seen scattered outside a roadside eatery.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and disaster relief materials have been dispatched. The China Earthquake Administration initiated a Level II emergency response after the earthquake. A task force has been sent to assist in the disaster relief efforts. Tibet Autonomous Region also activated a Level II emergency response, sending around 22,000 disaster relief materials, including cotton tents, coats, blankets, and folding beds. Additionally, over 1,500 local firefighters and rescuers were deployed to the affected area. According to official data, Dingri County has a population of over 61,000, with around 6,900 people living within a 20-kilometer radius of the epicenter, which is located in Tsogo Township.
