China allocates $14 million to Tibet for earthquake relief efforts

The Chinese authorities have allocated 100 million yuan (about $14 million at the current exchange rate) from the state treasury to support the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which suffered from the earthquake, according to the Finance Ministry of China.

The ministry specified that such a measure was taken in line with the order of Chinese President Xi Jinping. These funds will be used for rescue work, resettlement of victims, prevention of secondary risks, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In addition, damaged buildings to be rebuilt will be repaired. However, the main focus, as noted, will be on search, rescue and evacuation of people.

 On January 7 morning, a devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck a remote region of Tibet, claiming at least 53 lives and injuring 62 others. The earthquake, which occurred at 9:05 a.m. local time, was followed by multiple aftershocks. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the China Earthquake Networks Center reported that the epicenter was located in the high-altitude Tibetan plateau, near the Himalayan border with Nepal.

The quake severely affected Tingri County, where the epicenter is situated, with over 1,000 homes reported as damaged. Videos shared on Chinese social media, geolocated by CNN, showed collapsed roofs, shop fronts, and debris scattered across streets in nearby Lhatse County, approximately 86 kilometers (53 miles) from the epicenter. Cars and motorcycles parked on the roads were also damaged.

In response to the disaster, rescue teams, including personnel from the Chinese air force, have been deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts. However, as of noon on January 7, three villages had lost phone connectivity. By midday, the China Earthquake Networks Center had recorded a total of 49 aftershocks.

By Khagan Isayev