95 Dead, 130 Injured As 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tibet

A powerful earthquake struck the mountainous Tibet region on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 95 people dead and 130 injured, according to Chinese state media reports cited by the BBC.

The earthquake, which hit Tibet’s holy city of Shigatse around 9:00 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT), registered a magnitude of 7.1 at a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles), according to the US Geological Survey. The area has also experienced multiple aftershocks.

Tremors from the quake were felt in neighboring Nepal and parts of India. The region, located on a major geological fault line, is prone to frequent earthquakes.

This disaster is one of the deadliest earthquakes China has faced in recent years. Videos aired by state broadcaster CCTV show collapsed buildings and rescue workers navigating through debris to assist affected residents, distributing blankets amid freezing conditions.

In Tingri County, near the earthquake’s epicenter, temperatures are currently around -8°C (17.6°F) and are expected to plummet to -18°C (0°F) overnight, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

The quake has also caused widespread disruptions to power and water supplies in the affected areas. Rescue efforts are ongoing.