On Tuesday morning at 9:05 am, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Dingri county in the Shigatse area of the Xizang Autonomous Region, leading to at least nine confirmed deaths, as reported by Xinhua. Damage from the quake has caused buildings to collapse in the region, although ongoing assessments have yet to provide a complete toll on casualties or structural damage.
In response to the disaster, local authorities have activated various emergency personnel, including those from transportation, water resources, and housing sectors, ensuring that rescue operations are prioritized. To safeguard the community against potential aftershocks, measures are being taken to evacuate residents promptly.
At 9:20 am, the Fire Brigade of Shigatse dispatched 75 personnel and six vehicles to assist in rescue efforts. A specialized forward team consisting of 15 members and three vehicles was also en route to the earthquake's epicenter. By 9:45 am, the coordinated response had mobilized a total of 215 individuals, which included command units from the Xizang Forest Fire Brigade and Special Operations teams.
Moreover, more than 500 personnel from the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Armed Police Forces, and reserve units are on standby for rapid deployment. The earthquake's epicenter was pinpointed at coordinates 28.5 degrees north latitude and 87.45 degrees east longitude, occurring at a shallow depth of 10 km, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The situation is further complicated by the presence of seven villages within a 5-kilometer radius and two towns within 20 kilometers of the quake's epicenter. The area surrounding this location has an average elevation of around 4,259 meters, presenting significant challenges for both rescue and recovery efforts. On the same day, a separate magnitude 7.0 earthquake impacted the region 90 km northeast of Lobuche, Nepal, at 1:05:16 GMT, as reported by the US Geological Survey.
8 Comments
Karamba
Only 9 confirmed deaths reported by Xinhua? This is a powerful earthquake, the number must be much higher.
Matzomaster
This text is informative and concise, offering a clear overview of the situation and ongoing efforts.
Karamba
Why are villages and towns located so close to earthquake epicenters? Shouldn't safety be prioritized over economic interests?
Rotfront
The text provides important details about the earthquake's location and depth, which can help experts assess the situation.
Matzomaster
This text lacks specific details on the impact on people's lives. We need to hear more about the suffering of those affected.
Muchacho
The quick deployment of PLA and reserve units shows the government's commitment to saving lives.
ZmeeLove
Sending prayers and strength to the people of Dingri and surrounding areas.
Mariposa
This text is too focused on the Chinese government's response. What about the international community's assistance?