(Global Times): On Tuesday morning, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake slammed the Xizang Autonomous Region in southwest China, killing 126 people and injuring 188 more. On the northern slope of the Himalayas, thousands of rural homes fell, severely affecting the local populace.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Tsogo Township, Dingri County, Xigaze City, and it struck at 9:05 a.m. Beijing Time. About 6,900 people living in 27 communities within a 20-kilometer radius of the earthquake were impacted.
Preliminary reports revealed that 3,609 homes were destroyed. The city government of Xigaze confirmed the rescue of 407 trapped individuals and the relocation of over 30,000 residents.
As emergency teams attempt to recover survivors, search and rescue operations continue. There is an urgent need for shelter because temperatures in the area are predicted to drop to minus 17 degrees Celsius.
Many homes were destroyed in the most severely affected districts of Tsogo and Chamco Townships, forcing locals to seek protection in open places.
Pasang Tsering, a Tsogo peasant, remembered the earthquake's intensity: "The initial shock wave caused furniture and lights to shake. I hurried outdoors since the second one was stronger.
Pasang, another local, voiced worries about shelter, saying, "I've never felt an earthquake this powerful. Although officials have reassured us that more tents are on the way, we are concerned about where we will stay tonight.
Gurum Village in Chamco Township suffered severe devastation. Village leader Tsering Phuntsog lost his 74-year-old mother in the disaster, and other family members remain buried under debris.
Eleven children were among the 22 fatalities recorded by the village. Phuntsog said, "Even young people struggled to get out of their homes once the earthquake hit, not to mention the elderly and children."
A huge relief effort was started by the Chinese government. To preserve lives and reduce losses, President Xi Jinping called for intensive rescue operations.
On-site catastrophe response was supervised by a team led by Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing. Rescue personnel and resources were dispatched to the affected region under the coordination of central and local authorities.
About 22,000 relief supplies, such as folding beds, cotton tents, winter coats, and quilts, were sent by the government. Special consideration was given to cold, high-altitude circumstances.
The earthquake emergency response in Xizang was raised to degree I, the highest degree. Over 12,000 rescuers, including professional rescuers, firefighters, and troops, were sent to the area.
Recovery was aided by financial assistance. For relief efforts, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the Ministry of Finance each contributed 100 million yuan or roughly $13.9 million USD. This sum was matched by the National Development and Reform Commission to aid in the recovery process following the disaster.
After launching an emergency reaction, the Red Cross Society of China provided 4,600 relief supplies to impacted areas, including foldable beds, quilts, and insulated coats.
In Gurum Village, a resettlement site with 15 tents was established on nearby farmland. Supplies, including food, water, and blankets, were adequate to accommodate all displaced residents.
By 6:08 p.m., telecommunications services had been restored in the three hardest-hit townships near the epicenter, according to China Mobile’s Xizang branch.
Dingri County, with a population exceeding 61,000, is one of the most populous border counties in Xizang. It lies at an average altitude of 4,500 meters and includes the northern base camp of Mount Qomolangma.
For safety reasons, the Mount Qomolangma scenic region has been temporarily closed. Local tourism officials stated that there were no injuries to visitors or employees in the area.
Despite tremors, Panchen Rinpoche's customary residence in Xigaze, the Tashilhunpo Monastery, remained intact.
With temperatures in Dingri expected to range from minus 17 to 8 degrees Celsius over the next three days, locals and officials are preparing for more difficulties.
While rescue operations continue to find individuals who are still trapped, the priority continues to be on giving survivors immediate shelter, food, and medical assistance as relief efforts ramp up.
