Tibet earthquake rescuers search for survivors in freezing temperatures

A significant earthquake struck Tibet recently, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Reports indicate that over 1,000 buildings were damaged, and the earthquake resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 126 individuals, with an additional 188 people suffering injuries. The earthquake occurred in the early morning hours, around 9:00 local time, and rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the debris. The situation is made even more challenging by the freezing temperatures, which are expected to drop to as low as -16C overnight. This region is known for its seismic activity due to its location on a major geological fault line, and this earthquake is considered one of the deadliest in recent years. The quake registered a magnitude of 7. 1 and struck at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey. It was felt not only in Tibet but also in neighboring countries like Nepal and parts of India. Footage released by China's state broadcaster, CCTV, depicted the devastation in Shigatse, a city in Tibet, where rescue workers were seen navigating through the rubble and distributing warm blankets to those affected. The temperatures in Tingri county, close to the earthquake's epicenter, were already reported to be around -8C before nightfall, making conditions even more dire for those in need. A local supermarket owner, Sangji Dangzhi, described the extensive damage to homes, stating, 'Here the houses are made from dirt, so when the earthquake came, lots of houses collapsed. ' He also mentioned that ambulances were busy transporting injured individuals to hospitals throughout the day. Another resident in Shigatse recounted his experience of being jolted awake by the earthquake's force, saying, 'It felt like even the bed was being lifted. ' He quickly realized it was an earthquake, as the region had experienced several smaller quakes recently. The earthquake also disrupted power and water supplies in the area, and more than 40 aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the initial quake. Chinese state media reported a slightly lower magnitude of 6. 8 for the earthquake, which caused significant tremors and damage to over 1,000 homes. Jiang Haikun, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Center, indicated that while there may still be aftershocks, the likelihood of a larger earthquake occurring soon is low. Tingri county, located at the foot of Mount Everest, is a popular starting point for climbers preparing to ascend the world's tallest mountain. As a result of the earthquake, sightseeing tours in the area were canceled, and the tourism staff reported that the sightseeing area had been fully closed for safety reasons. There were three visitors in the area who were relocated to a safe outdoor space. The Shigatse region, home to approximately 800,000 residents, holds significant cultural importance as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader, expressed his deep sadness over the earthquake's impact, stating, '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. ' The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after China took control of the region and has since been viewed as a symbol of hope for many Tibetans who oppose Beijing's authority. There are concerns that China may choose its own Dalai Lama when the current one passes away. The earthquake's tremors were also felt in Nepal, but no casualties have been reported there. The Chinese air force has initiated rescue operations, and President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive search and rescue efforts to minimize casualties and assist displaced residents. While strong tremors were felt in Nepal, officials reported only minor damages and cracks in buildings. The region is situated near a significant fault line between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to earthquakes. In 2015, a devastating 7. 8 magnitude earthquake near Kathmandu resulted in nearly 9,000 fatalities and over 20,000 injuries. The tremors experienced on Tuesday morning reminded many residents of Kathmandu of that tragic event. Manju Neupane, a shop owner in Kathmandu, shared her feelings, saying, 'In 2015, when the earthquake hit, I could not even move. Today the situation was not scary like that. But, I am scared that another major earthquake may hit us and we will be trapped between tall buildings.