Azerbaijani MFA offers condolences to China over devastating earthquake

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has expressed condolences to China following the catastrophic earthquake that struck Shigatse city.

“We are deeply grieved and saddened by the devastating earthquake occurred in Shigatse, China. We convey our deepest condolences to friendly China, the bereaved families of the victims, and wish a speedy recovery for those who are wounded and affected by this calamity,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry’s message on X.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet in southwestern China on January 7 morning, killing at least 95 and destroying many buildings. While earthquakes are common in the region, quake was the most powerful recorded within a 200-kilometre radius in the last five years.

Rescue workers waded through rubble strewn across the ruins in the aftermath of the earthquake, footage showed, while some gave locals thick blankets to keep warm.  

Surveillance images published by CCTV showed people running through a store's aisles as shelves shook violently, sending objects like toys tumbling to the ground.

By Naila Huseynova