Chinese state media has reported that at least fifty-three people died while another sixty-two sustained injuries when a massive earthquake struck Shigatse city located in Tibet province. The violent shaking was caused by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 and depth of about ten kilometers (six miles) recorded at around 9 AM local time (01:00 GMT). Furthermore, the US Geological Survey registered some aftershocks following the main quake which had also been felt in few parts of India and Nepal.
The area is prone to regular seismic activities due to its proximity to a major geological fault line. Among areas worst affected by the calamity is Shigatse town, one of the holiest places in Tibet and home of Panchen Lama for long. Significantly damaged as well was Tingri County close to Mount Everest’s base camp where climbers usually acclimatize before making their final push for the summit. Not less than one thousand homes have been destroyed according to authorities on the ground with pictures shared online portraying falling buildings amidst widespread havoc.
Disturbance in Tourism and Rescue Operations
The scheduled Tingri Mt Everest Tour was not done, and the area is closed off for safety reasons. Local officials evacuated three observers from the observation spot to safer open spaces. As a result, Chinese air force has deployed rescue teams and drones to help in recovery efforts. However, the area faces some more challenges as there are no power and water supply lines that have been cut off, plus it is sub-zero temperatures.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, has ordered intensified search operations aimed at ensuring minimal loss of lives as well as ensuring those affected are quickly resettled. Meantime, Jiang Haikun, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Centre points that while aftershocks of around magnitude 5 may occur, there is low probability of having stronger earthquakes.
According to local authorities however, in Namche zone Nepal which is located near Mount Everest tremors were felt but no casualties or destructions reported yet.
