Beijing, January 14, 2025 - The Chinese government has reported that rescue efforts are proceeding smoothly for victims of the earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region. A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Tibet on January 7, resulting in 126 fatalities and 188 injuries, with approximately 3,600 homes damaged.
Rescue teams face challenges due to freezing temperatures and the isolated location of the earthquake's epicenter in the Himalayan valley. About 6,900 people are estimated to reside in 27 villages within a 20-kilometer radius of the epicenter.
The earthquake occurred in Tingri County, Shigatse District, at 9:05 AM local time, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China convened to discuss subsequent assistance measures.
Rescue operations have successfully saved over 400 individuals from the rubble, and more than 30,000 residents have been temporarily relocated. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has allocated 50 million yuan (approximately 6.8 million USD) for recovery efforts in the affected areas. Over 1,200 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake.