A devastating earthquake rocked Tibet’s Shigatse city on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 53 people dead and injuring 62 others, according to Chinese state media.
The tremor, which hit around 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT), registered a magnitude of 7.1 with a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), as confirmed by the US Geological Survey.
A series of aftershocks followed, further rattling the region.
The earthquake’s impact was not confined to Tibet; tremors were felt in neighboring Nepal and parts of India, though no casualties have been reported in these areas.
The region, which sits on a major geological fault line, is prone to seismic activity.
In fact, the earthquake struck just a short distance from Tingri county, a popular base for climbers preparing for Mount Everest expeditions.
Shigatse, one of Tibet’s holiest cities and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, has suffered significant damage.
According to Chinese state media, over 1,000 homes have been destroyed. Social media images show collapsed buildings, and rescue operations are underway as strong aftershocks continue to shake the area.
In the wake of the earthquake, all Mount Everest sightseeing tours scheduled for Tuesday morning in Tingri were canceled, and the area was completely closed off.
Fortunately, the three visitors in the region have been safely moved to an outdoor area for protection.
Chinese authorities have mobilized air force personnel and drones to assist with rescue efforts in the freezing conditions of the area, which lies at the foot of Mount Everest.
Local services, including power and water, have been cut off. President Xi Jinping has called for immediate and intensive rescue operations to reduce casualties and support the affected population.
Experts have warned of the possibility of additional seismic activity.
Jiang Haikun, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Center, noted that aftershocks, including a potential 5-magnitude earthquake, are expected, but emphasized that the likelihood of a larger quake is low.
The region’s history with earthquakes includes the 2015 disaster near Kathmandu, Nepal, when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people and injured over 20,000.
As rescue operations continue, the world watches, hoping for the safety of those still trapped in the rubble of this devastating event.