Tibet earthquake claims 126 lives; 46,000 forced to flee homes

The earthquake, which hit Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city in China on January 7, killed 126 people and injured 188 others.

Relief efforts in western China have shifted to resettling survivors after a deadly earthquake struck near a Tibetan Buddhist holy city, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

More than 46,000 people have been relocated as homes were rendered unsafe or uninhabitable.

The earthquake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, caused widespread destruction, with over 3,600 houses collapsing. The epicentre was located about 25 km from Shigatse, in a region close to Mount Everest. Following the disaster, more than 500 aftershocks were recorded.

In neighbouring India and Nepal, Tibetans held vigils for the victims, with gatherings in Dharamshala and Kathmandu. The Dalai Lama’s website announced he would lead a prayer ceremony for the victims on January 9.

Chinese authorities are now focused on resettlement and reconstruction, with temporary shelters set up for survivors in the high-altitude region. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing urged swift reconstruction efforts to ensure survivors can stay safe during the winter.

The earthquake also affected the local community in Gurum village, where at least 22 people, including the Communist Party chief’s 74-year-old mother, died. Authorities continue to monitor recovery efforts as they work to rebuild the region. Foreign journalists have limited access to Tibet, complicating independent reporting on the situation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev