More than 400 individuals trapped under debris following yesterday’s earthquake in Tibet have been rescued, according to Chinese authorities. An unknown number of people remain missing.
Over 14,000 rescuers are searching the vast area for more survivors. The cold weather decreases the likelihood of finding more survivors as the risk of hypothermia rises with temperatures dropping to 16 degrees below zero last night.
The affected region is challenging to access; Tingri is a vast, sparsely populated area at high altitudes with limited and mostly damaged roads. Rescuers are struggling to reach the remote area and are searching by hand for survivors.
On Tuesday at around 9:00 am local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 occurred in the Tingri region, near the base of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain. There have been 150 aftershocks, several measuring between 4 and 5 in magnitude.
The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Nepal and India. The earthquake has claimed at least 126 lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
According to Chinese authorities, thousands may be without shelter. China’s Vice Premier Zhang is in the area to oversee the relief operation.
Temperatures in the area can drop to 20 degrees below zero at night during this time of year. The Chinese weather bureau is urging people to seek shelter from the wind and cold.
Authorities have sent tents, beds, and coats to the affected area. Major earthquakes are common in the Himalayan region, home to many of the world’s highest mountains, whose elevations often change due to seismic activity.
Source: NOS