Devastating Earthquake Near Everest Kills 126, Damages Over 1,000 Structures in Tibet

In a tragic turn of events, a powerful earthquake struck the remote region of Tibet near Mount Everest, leaving at least 126 people dead and 188 injured. The 7.1 magnitude quake, which hit Dingri County in Xigaze Prefecture on Tuesday morning, caused extensive damage to more than 1,000 buildings, with rescue operations now in full swing amidst harsh winter conditions.

The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 80 kilometers north of Mount Everest, making it one of the deadliest in recent years in the region. Rescue workers, numbering over 3,000, are battling the elements to search for survivors, with reports indicating that the area experienced numerous aftershocks, complicating the rescue efforts further.

China’s President Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out effort to minimize casualties and to ensure the safety and warmth of the affected residents, given the cold temperatures in the high-altitude region. More than 22,000 relief items, including tents, coats, quilts, and folding beds, have been dispatched to aid those affected by the disaster.

The tremors were also felt in neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India, where no significant damage or casualties were reported. However, the incident has reignited concerns about the seismic activity in this geologically sensitive area, which lies on the major fault line where the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayas.

Local and national emergency services are coordinating closely to assess further damages and to provide immediate assistance, with the Chinese government elevating its response to the highest emergency level. The international community has expressed condolences and is offering support, highlighting the global concern over such natural disasters in remote and challenging environments.

The full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, but this earthquake has undoubtedly left a significant mark on the community, with recovery efforts expected to be extensive.