Memorial Ceremony and Relief Efforts for Dingri Earthquake Victims

On Monday morning at 9:30 AM, a solemn memorial ceremony took place in Chamco Township to remember those who lost their lives in the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that affected Dingri County in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. Numerous participants, including members of the PLA, armed police forces, firefighters, public security personnel, medical volunteers, community representatives, and local officials, observed a moment of silence to show their respect for the deceased, marking one week since the earthquake struck.

The earthquake, which occurred on January 7, resulted in the tragic death of 126 individuals and left over 27,000 households damaged or destroyed, including around 3,600 homes that collapsed. The impact of the earthquake was widespread, affecting five counties and numerous communities, leading to approximately 61,500 people facing various levels of hardship. Rescue efforts have been successful overall, with 407 individuals saved and over 47,500 displaced residents relocated to safer areas.

Efforts to provide immediate assistance to the affected population are ongoing, focusing on temporary and transitional housing as winter approaches. Reports indicate that as of Sunday evening, around 2,198 prefabricated houses had already been constructed in the afflicted regions, alongside substantial distributions of blankets, heating stoves, clothing, and fuel supplies. Many essential items such as food, including staple grains, meat, vegetables, and fruits, have also been provided to ensure the well-being of those affected.

Specific initiatives in Tonglai village have been underway, with more than 60 out of 110 planned prefabricated homes completed, enabling families to transition from tents to more permanent shelter. Local officials have noted the arrival of food supplies and warm clothing, as well as the establishment of a community canteen for shared meals. As the clean-up and recovery continue, there are ongoing efforts to move residents' belongings from ruined homes.

In Qulho Town, substantial progress has also been made, with reports of 650 prefabricated houses already available for use, and 763 more in the process of being built. The emergency housing units are being installed with basic utilities like electricity and water, and further amenities such as Wi-Fi and public restrooms are planned for future installation.

Additionally, to address the psychological well-being of children and families affected by the disaster, an emergency psychology research group visited resettlement sites, providing sports equipment and recreational materials to help foster a sense of normalcy and relief in the aftermath of the tragedy.