The number of casualties from a powerful earthquake in the northern foothills of the Himalayas, near one of the holiest cities in Tibet, has risen to 126, according to Chinese authorities.
Many residents have been trapped, and dozens of aftershocks have shaken the high-altitude region in western China and across the border in Nepal.
State media in China, citing the earthquake relief headquarters in Tibet, reported that at least 130 people have been injured, with around 1,000 homes damaged.
The tragedy was commented on by the 14th Dalai Lama, who is in exile in India. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the devastating earthquake that occurred this morning in Tingri, Tibet, and surrounding areas. It has led to the tragic loss of many lives, numerous injuries, and extensive destruction of homes and property. I offer prayers for those who have perished and wish a swift recovery to all the affected," stated the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists.
Up to 1,500 firefighters and rescuers have been dispatched to search for people trapped under the rubble, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, with its epicenter located at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
In China, the reported magnitude was 6.8.
The epicenter was in Tingri County, 75 kilometers northeast of Mount Everest, which marks the border between China and Nepal. This area is known to scientists for its seismic activity, as the Indian and Eurasian plates collide, continuously altering the topography of the Himalayan mountains, including the highest peaks in the world.
The effects of the earthquake were felt throughout the Shigatse region, which has a population of 800,000.
Shigatse is one of the holiest cities in Tibet, home to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional residence of the Panchen Lama, who is second in rank only to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism and is an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha.
The average altitude above sea level in the epicenter area is about 4,200 meters, according to a report from the Chinese seismic network on social media. State broadcaster CCTV reported that several major settlements are relatively near the earthquake's epicenter: Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is 380 kilometers away, the second-largest city in the Shigatse region is 23 kilometers away, and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is 230 kilometers away.
In Kathmandu, the earthquake startled residents, prompting them to leave their homes. So far, no information has been received from remote mountainous areas of Nepal closer to the epicenter.
Nepalese authorities report no destruction or casualties in the Everest region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there have been 10 earthquakes with a magnitude of at least 6 in this area over the past century.
The number of casualties from the strong earthquake with magnitudes of 6 and 8 in Tibet, in the northern foothills of the Himalayas, has risen to 126, according to Chinese authorities. This figure may still increase.
And this is only preliminary data.
The epicenter was located in Tingri County, 75 kilometers northeast of Mount Everest, which marks the border between China and Nepal.
Many residents have been trapped,
Aftershocks were felt throughout the Shigatse region, which has a population of 800,000.
State media in China, citing the earthquake relief headquarters, reported that at least 130 people have been injured, with around 1,000 homes damaged.
The tragedy was commented on by the Dalai Lama, who is in exile in India.
I offer prayers for those who have perished and wish recovery to the injured," stated the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists.