"Deadly 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Xizang, China; Rescue Operations Underway"

On January 7, 2025, a devastating earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the Xizang Autonomous Region in southwest China, resulting in the loss of at least 126 lives and injuring another 188 individuals. The earthquake, which occurred at 9:05 a.m. local time, had its epicenter in Tsogo Township, Dingri County, affecting 27 villages and nearly 6,900 residents within a 20-kilometer radius.

According to preliminary reports, approximately 3,609 homes collapsed due to the seismic event. Local government officials indicated that over 30,000 residents have been relocated, and ongoing rescue operations have successfully freed 407 people who were trapped under debris. Rescuers face pressing challenges as they work to set up temporary shelters for those affected, with nighttime temperatures forecasted to plunge to minus 17 degrees Celsius.

Residents have shared harrowing accounts of the quake. One villager, Pasang Tsering, described the experience, noting how the initial tremors shook furniture and lights before a more violent aftershock compelled him to rush outside. Meanwhile, Tsering Phuntsog, the Party chief of Gurum Village, mourned the loss of his mother and detailed the devastation experienced by their community, which included 22 fatalities, most of whom were children.

In response to the disaster, Chinese President Xi Jinping has initiated extensive rescue operations, mobilizing resources at national, provincial, and local levels. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has taken charge of the on-ground relief efforts, while emergency responders, including over 12,000 personnel from various sectors, have been deployed to assist in rescue missions.

Central authorities have also allocated significant financial support for relief efforts, providing 100 million yuan (approximately 13.9 million U.S. dollars) dedicated to emergency recovery in Xizang. Aid initiatives by the Red Cross Society of China are underway, delivering essential items such as tents, quilts, and winter clothing to those in need.

The county of Dingri, known for its proximity to Mount Qomolangma, has a resident population of over 61,000. Despite the earthquake's impact, there have been no reports of damage to important cultural sites, including the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Weather forecasts indicate that Dingri will experience mostly sunny conditions in the coming days, although temperatures will remain extremely low.