At Least Scores Killed In Tibet Quake

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

BEIJING (Worthy News) – A strong earthquake killed at least 53 people in China-controlled Tibet on Tuesday and left many others trapped as dozens of aftershocks shook the region of western China and across the border in Nepal and parts of India, officials announced.

Witnesses said the powerful earthquake hit especially Tibet’s Shigatse city, seen as one of its ‘holiest’ sites by local Buddhists, around 09:00 local time.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake measured magnitude 7.1 and was relatively shallow, at about 10 kilometers (6 miles). China recorded the magnitude as 6.8.

The official Xinhua News Agency, citing the regional disaster relief headquarters, said besides those killed, some 62 other people were injured.

The Ministry of Emergency Management said about 1,500 firefighters were deployed to search for people in the rubble.

Chinese social media videos showed damaged roofs, shopfronts, and debris piling on the streets of Lhatse County, some 86 kilometers (53 miles) from the epicenter. The footage also revealed damaged cars and motorcycles parked along the road.

Much of the damage reportedly occurred in Shigatse, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure of Tibetan Buddhism whose spiritual authority is second only to that of the Dalai Lama.

Tingri County, near the earthquake’s epicenter, is a popular base for climbers preparing to ascend Mount Everest.

A tourism staff member told local media that Mount Everest sightseeing tours in Tingri, initially scheduled for Tuesday morning, “have been canceled.” The sightseeing area has been fully closed.

They added that three visitors were reportedly in the sightseeing area “but had all been moved” to an outdoor area for safety.

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