Tibet Earthquake: 126 Dead & Over 400 Rescued Amid Sub-Zero Temperatures

As day two of the rescue work began in Shigatse, following the earthquake, at least 126 people have been reported dead while over 400 have been rescued.

Rescue workers in Shigatse, post-earthquake.

Source : X

At least 126 people have been declared while at least 188 have been injured after a massive earthquake struck in the Shigatse, also Xigaze, in Tibet Region on Tuesday morning.

According to Xinhua news, a preliminary report says 3,609 houses had collapsed and that 407 people have been rescued, while 30,000 people affected by the quake have been relocated. Rescuers are also racing against time to set up tents for relocated residents in an area where temperatures are forecast to drop to minus 17 degrees Celsius.

Rescue workers are tirelessly working to rescue survivors, a day after the earthquake, those victims suffered a night in sub-zero temperatures, facing risks of hypothermia and dehydration.

Xigaze is located 90 km north-east of Lobutse in the Khumbu Himalayan range in northeast Nepal, and is the last border town of Tibet not far from the Nepal-Tibet-Indian tri-junction touching Sikkim.

The county of Tingri has a population of over 61,000 and is one of the most populous border counties in Xizang. It lies on the northern slope of the Himalayas, bordering Nepal to the south. With an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Tingri is home to the northern base camp of Mount Qomolangma, the world's highest peak. Mount Qomolangma scenic area has been temporarily closed, and tourists and staff members are in a safe condition.

The Tibetan plateau is known to be prone to heavy earthquakes as it sits right over the place where the tectonic Eurasian and Indian plates meet, often colliding with huge force.

The quake also rattled Nepal and damaged buildings. However, there was no loss of life there. Several places in Bihar too were jolted, but there was no loss of life nor any damage to property.

Dharmasala-based Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. “I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured,” he said in a message.