Rescuers worked in sub-zero conditions and strong winds to search for debris after a powerful earthquake in Tibet blew away thousands of homes in a remote area near the northern foothills of Mount Everest on Wednesday. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated to safe areas, and dozens of people are being treated for injuries.
At least 126 people were killed and 188 injured in an earthquake in western China's Dingri County, near one of Tibet's most historic cities, early Tuesday morning. The earthquake was China's deadliest since December 2023, when a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck northwest China's Gansu and Qinghai provinces, killing 151 people.
Chinese state media said the area has since recorded 660 aftershocks, some with a magnitude of 3.0. Survivors and rescuers had to brave freezing temperatures as the mercury dropped to minus 18 degrees Celsius or 0 Fahrenheit overnight. Recent aerial images near the quake's epicenter showed frozen lake surfaces, and temperatures are expected to remain low for the next three days, which could narrow the window for rescuing survivors.
It was difficult to independently determine the true extent of the damage. Tibet is one of the most inaccessible and underdeveloped regions of China. Security has been heightened for decades by tensions between Beijing and Tibetans, many of whom have fought to preserve their cultural identity and religious traditions in a country dominated by Han Chinese. Foreign journalists are prohibited from traveling independently to the region.
Much of the relief effort is focused on protection from the cold. State broadcasting showed video footage showing rescuers setting up tents covered with insulated sheeting and equipping them with light panels powered by generators.
Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing visited hospitals and tent camps on Monday night. He instructed rescue teams to focus on finding survivors, providing medical aid to the vulnerable and providing the displaced with enough food and warmth to survive the cold winter.
Rescuers pulled out more than 400 survivors from the rubble overnight. More than 30,000 people have been moved to a safe place.
Chinese state media reported that roadblocks have been cleared and electricity has been restored in most surrounding towns and villages. State television showed footage of soldiers digging through the rubble with gloved hands and shovels.
Lee You Contributed to research in Beijing.