Xizang earthquake: Death toll rises to 95; 130 injured

KATHMANDU: A total of 95 people have been confirmed dead and 130 others injured as of 3:00 pm on Tuesday (Beijing Time), following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri County in Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, at 9:05 am on Tuesday.

The earthquake caused extensive damage, including the collapse of numerous buildings, according to a Taipei Times report citing state media. Earlier, regional disaster relief authorities had reported 32 fatalities and 38 injuries, as per Xinhua news agency.

The China Earthquake Networks Centre reported that the earthquake's epicentre was located at 28.5°N latitude and 87.45°E longitude, with a depth of 10 kilometres.

In response, the Chinese military deployed a drone to assess the epicentre, and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command announced the activation of a disaster relief emergency plan. The air force has transport and medical planes, helicopters, and ground forces on standby to assist with relief efforts.

House collapses were also reported in Tonglai Village, located in Changsuo Township of Dingri in Xigaze (also known as Shigatse), according to Xinhua.

Meanwhile, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported a series of aftershocks in Xizang on Tuesday. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Xizang at 6:35 am (IST) at a depth of 10 kilometres, followed by seven aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 5.0.

The tremors were also felt in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, and Bihar's Sheohar district, authorities reported.

The earthquakes along the Nepal-China border forced residents to evacuate their homes and move to open spaces. No casualties have been reported in these areas so far.

Meanwhile, Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs spokesman Rishiram Tiwari confirmed to Taipei Times that no damage or deaths had been reported in Nepal, and security forces had been deployed to ensure safety.

Compiled by B360