Powerful earthquake strikes Tibet, killing at least 53 PHOTO

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 tremors were felt in neighbouring Nepal and northern India, Caliber.Az reports via foreign news sources.

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.

The region near the epicenter is sparsely populated, but small villages are nestled within the often inaccessible valleys of the Himalayas. Approximately 6,900 people live in 27 villages within a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius of the epicenter, according to Xinhua. The nearest major city is Shigatse, around 180 kilometers (111 miles) away. Known as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the city is an important religious center for Tibetan Buddhism, second only to Lhasa in spiritual significance.

Footage from surveillance cameras in Shigatse captured the moment the quake struck, showing customers rushing out of a supermarket as goods tumbled from shelves.

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 Tuesday, three villages had lost phone connectivity. By midday, the China Earthquake Networks Center had recorded a total of 49 aftershocks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a statement urging authorities to launch all-out efforts to rescue survivors, minimize casualties, and ensure the safety of affected residents, especially during the harsh winter months.

This powerful earthquake has left a devastating toll in one of the most remote and vulnerable regions of Tibet, where rescue operations are particularly challenging due to the difficult terrain and limited infrastructure.

By Khagan Isayev