In Tibet, rescuers faced severe winter conditions as they searched for survivors after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck near the northern foothills of Mount Everest. The quake rocked Changsuo Township in Dingri County early Tuesday, causing significant destruction as over 3,000 homes were reported damaged. As of Wednesday, at least 126 fatalities have been confirmed, with an additional 188 individuals injured, making this the deadliest earthquake China has experienced since December 2023.
The region has endured numerous aftershocks—over 660—some of which were over magnitude 3.0. Victims and rescue officials are contending with frigid temperatures, which plummeted to minus 18 degrees Celsius (0 Fahrenheit) at night. Accessing the full extent of the disaster is complicated by the remote and underdeveloped nature of the area, with increased security measures in place due to longstanding tensions between Tibetan culture and the Chinese government.
In the immediate aftermath, rescue efforts have concentrated on safeguarding residents from the biting cold. Recent footage from state media displays rescuers setting up insulated tents with generator-powered lighting, providing warm refuge for displaced individuals. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing visited local hospitals and tent camps, emphasizing the urgency of locating additional survivors, delivering medical aid, and ensuring sufficient provision of food and warmth for those affected.
More than 400 survivors were reportedly rescued from the debris overnight, and over 30,000 individuals have been relocated to safer environments. To facilitate the ongoing recovery, roadblockages have been cleared, and electricity has been restored across most surrounding communities. Meanwhile, footage shows military personnel meticulously clearing rubble in a desperate bid to aid those trapped or in need.
