Another Earthquake Hits Xizang Region in Tibet, Death Toll Rises to 126
In a tragic development from Tibet’s Xizang Autonomous Region, another earthquake struck the area on Wednesday morning, compounding the devastation from a previous massive quake. According to the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC), the latest tremor registered a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale, occurring at approximately 6:58 am (IST). The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the surface, further destabilizing the already fragile region.
This aftershock follows a catastrophic 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Tuesday. The powerful quake claimed at least 126 lives, with over 188 people reportedly injured. The tremors forced residents to flee their homes and were felt as far as Nepal and parts of northern India. The epicenter of the major quake was pinpointed in Tsogo township, Dingri county, within the city of Xigaze (also known as Shigaste), which is revered as one of Tibet’s holiest cities.
Emergency Response and Affected Regions
The Xizang Autonomous Region has declared a level-II emergency response following the seismic events. The city of Shigatse, situated near the Nepal-Tibet-India tri-junction, is home to significant religious and cultural landmarks, including the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second most influential figure in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.
The Tibetan plateau is notoriously prone to earthquakes due to its position at the collision point of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. The intense geological activity frequently triggers powerful quakes that pose significant risks to the region’s population and infrastructure.
Impact and Rescue Efforts
Tuesday’s earthquake, which struck at 9:05 am (Beijing Time), resulted in widespread damage across Dingri county. While preliminary inspections by China’s Ministry of Water Resources revealed no immediate impacts on dams or reservoirs, continuous monitoring is underway to prevent secondary disasters. Rescue teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide aid to the affected communities. The Chinese government has mobilized relief efforts, including medical teams and supplies, to mitigate the disaster’s impact.
Seismic Activity Felt in Neighboring Regions
The tremors from both quakes extended into neighboring Nepal, where a 4.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded. Residents in northern India also reported feeling the tremors. These events have heightened concerns about seismic preparedness across the Himalayan region, which is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone zones.
The situation remains fluid as rescue and recovery operations continue. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines to minimize further casualties.
