Powerful 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Tibet, Kills at Least 53; Tremors Felt in Nepal

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on Tuesday, killing at least 53 people and injuring 62 others, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency. The earthquake, which hit Dingri County in Xigaze city of Tibet’s Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 a.m. (Beijing Time), also triggered widespread destruction, with many buildings near the epicenter collapsing. Social media footage showed shattered rooftops and windows, as rescue efforts began in the affected areas.

The earthquake’s tremors were also felt across the border in Nepal, including the capital Kathmandu, where residents were awakened by the quake and rushed out of their homes into the streets. While no immediate reports have emerged from the more remote areas closer to the epicenter in Nepal, authorities are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely.

In Tibet, the earthquake has left many people trapped under rubble, and rescue operations are ongoing. Approximately 1,500 fire and rescue workers have been deployed to search for survivors, while China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has mobilized resources to aid in relief efforts. The country’s State Council and emergency management departments have activated a Level-3 emergency response to guide rescue operations.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Western Theater Command has also sent a 50-person team to assist with the rescue efforts. With dozens of aftershocks continuing to shake the region, authorities are working around the clock to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.