Chinese state media has confirmed that at least 95 people have died and 130 were injured as a powerful earthquake struck the mountainous Tibet region, in western China on Tuesday morning.
The 7.1 magnitude quake hit Shigatse, a revered city in Tibet, at approximately 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT).
Data from the US Geological Survey indicated the earthquake had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (six miles) and was followed by a series of aftershocks.
Tremors were also reported in nearby Nepal and parts of India.
Situated on a major geological fault line, the region frequently experiences seismic activity.
However, Tuesday’s disaster ranks among China’s deadliest earthquakes in recent years.
Footage from China’s state broadcaster CCTV depicted widespread devastation, with homes reduced to rubble and buildings collapsed.
Rescue teams were seen navigating through debris, providing thick blankets to affected residents to shield them from the harsh weather.
In Tingri County, near the earthquake’s epicenter, temperatures are currently hovering around -8°C (17.6°F) and are forecasted to plummet further to -18°C (0°F) later tonight, as per the China Meteorological Administration.
Both power and water supplies in the area have been severely impacted.
