According to reports, the earthquake, centered in Tsogo Township, Dingri County, struck at 9:05 a.m. (Beijing Time). Within a 20-km radius of the epicenter, 27 villages with around 6,900 residents were severely impacted.
Authorities reported 407 people rescued and over 30,000 residents relocated as temperatures in the region dropped to minus 17 degrees Celsius.
In the worst-hit areas of Tsogo and Chamco, many homes were reduced to rubble, forcing residents to seek shelter in open spaces.
Tragic losses were reported in Chamco's Gurum Village, where 22 people, including 11 children, perished.
Nationwide rescue efforts
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out rescue efforts" to minimize casualties. More than 12,000 rescuers, including firefighters, police, and soldiers, have been deployed.
Relief supplies, including cotton tents, winter coats, and specialized materials for the cold, have been dispatched to the quake-hit areas.
The government has allocated 200 million yuan (approximately 27.8 million USD) to support relief and post-disaster emergency recovery. Resettlement sites are operational, providing shelter, food, and water. Telecommunications in the hardest-hit areas have been restored.
Dingri County, with a population of over 61,000, lies on the northern slope of the Himalayas, bordering Nepal.
It is home to the northern base camp of Mount Qomolangma. While the Mount Qomolangma scenic area has been temporarily closed, no damage has been reported to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze.
Rescue efforts and recovery continue in the wake of this devastating earthquake.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/earthquake-kills-126-in-china-rescue-effort-underway
