53 dead as 6.8 magnitude quake strikes Xizang

(Global Times) -- Fifty-three people have been confirmed dead, and 62 others injured as of Tuesday noon, after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Xigaze in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 am Tuesday (Beijing Time), Xinhua reported.

Rescuers work in an earthquake-affected area in Changsuo Township of Dingri in Xigaze, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.--Photo Xinhua

The epicenter was monitored at 28.5 degrees north latitude and 87.45 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, according to a report issued by the China Earthquake Networks Centre.
The Global Times learned from the Xizang Military Command’s Xigaze Military Sub-command that rescue teams have been mobilised to head toward the epicenter. Videos from the scene show significant damage to the roads leading to the epicenter, and buildings along the route showing varying levels of damage. The sub-command is rapidly deploying personnel to the affected area to participate in rescue efforts.
As of 11:25 am Tuesday, a regiment of 160 personnel from the sub-command has reached Jijiao Bridge in Dinggye County, while a company of 40 personnel has been dispatched to areas near Dingri Airport.
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Xigaze in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 am Tuesday, with the quake originating at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The tremors were felt strongly in Dingri County and surrounding areas, causing the collapse of several buildings near the epicenter. As of 10 am, multiple aftershocks have been recorded, with the strongest measuring 4.4 magnitude.

(Latest Update January 8, 2025)