Tibet Earthquake Devastates Villages; Rescuers Brave Severe Winter Conditions

Rescue operations are underway in the wake of the deadly quake, with rescuers battling freezing temperatures while searching for survivors amidst the devastation.

Rescue crews in Tibet are battling severe winter weather after a powerful magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck near the northern foothills of Mount Everest, causing widespread destruction. The quake, which hit on Tuesday morning, has claimed at least 126 lives and left 188 people injured, according to reports from state media. Thousands of homes have been lost, with approximately 30,000 residents being relocated to safer areas.

In the aftermath, rescuers have been working tirelessly in subzero temperatures and high winds, with overnight temperatures plummeting to minus 18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). The tremors have triggered over 660 aftershocks, challenging ongoing rescue efforts and increasing fears for those trapped beneath the rubble. The quake represents the deadliest event in China since a 6.2 magnitude quake in Gansu and Qinghai provinces in December 2023.

Despite the ongoing struggle, rescuers successfully pulled out more than 400 people from debris overnight. Ongoing efforts are focused on providing essential shelter and warmth for the displaced, with workers constructing insulated tents and utilizing light panels for heat. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has visited impacted communities, urging teams to prioritize the search for survivors and ensure adequate food and medical supplies for those affected.

The true scale of destruction remains difficult to assess due to the region's inaccessibility and intensified security measures stemming from long-standing tensions in Tibet. Amidst the challenges, the frontline operation continues to provide hope in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.