Earthquake Strikes Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region
Death Toll Rises to 126, Over 188 Injured
LHASA, Jan 7 (Bernama-Xinhua) — A total of 126 people have been confirmed dead and 188 others injured as of 7 pm Tuesday, following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri County in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday morning, Xinhua reported.
Emergency Response Underway
Following the earthquake, the Ministry of Public Security immediately launched a disaster response and mobilised the local police force to conduct rescue operations, manage traffic, and ensure public security. The earthquake emergency response in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has been elevated to Level I, the highest level, the region’s emergency command centre announced on Tuesday.
Satellites Deployed to Capture Images
Meanwhile, China also deployed several remote-sensing satellites to capture images of the quake-hit areas. Eight satellites, including those from the Gaofen series and a land ecosystem carbon monitoring satellite, were mobilised to observe the affected areas, according to the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake struck at 9:05 am (Beijing Time), with the epicentre located in Tsogo Township, Dingri County, in the city of Xigaze. Twenty-seven villages and approximately 6,900 people are within a 20-km radius of the epicentre. Official data indicates that Dingri County has a population of over 61,000.
Rescue Efforts Underway
More than 3,400 rescuers and over 340 medical workers have been deployed to the quake-hit area, according to a press conference on the earthquake. The weather forecast predicts mostly sunny conditions in Dingri over the next three days, with minimum temperatures ranging between minus 18 and minus 14 degrees Celsius.
Disaster Relief Efforts
China’s central authorities have dispatched approximately 22,000 disaster relief items to the affected region, including cotton tents, winter coats, quilts, and folding beds, along with specialised relief materials for high-altitude and frigid areas.
Conclusion
The earthquake has caused significant damage and loss of life in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. The government has launched a comprehensive response effort to rescue those affected and provide relief to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
A: The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8.
Q: How many people have been confirmed dead?
A: A total of 126 people have been confirmed dead.
Q: How many people have been injured?
A: Over 188 people have been injured.
Q: What is the current weather forecast in the affected area?
A: The weather forecast predicts mostly sunny conditions over the next three days, with minimum temperatures ranging between minus 18 and minus 14 degrees Celsius.
Q: What relief items have been dispatched to the affected region?
A: Approximately 22,000 disaster relief items, including cotton tents, winter coats, quilts, and folding beds, along with specialised relief materials for high-altitude and frigid areas, have been dispatched to the affected region.