Daijiworld Media Network - Tibet

Tibet, Jan 7: A second earthquake of magnitude 4.5 struck the Xizang (Tibet) region at 11:27 AM IST on Tuesday, compounding the devastation caused by an earlier, more powerful quake that claimed 53 lives and left 62 injured in Dingri County, Xigaze City. The earlier quake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale, hit the region at 9:05 AM IST, leaving a trail of destruction, including collapsed buildings and widespread chaos.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Centre, the epicentre of the 6.8-magnitude quake was located at 28.5°N latitude and 87.45°E longitude, with a depth of 10 kilometres.

Death toll and injuries:

The disaster's death toll climbed from an initial report of 32 fatalities and 38 injuries to 53 confirmed deaths and 62 injuries, as updated by Xinhua News Agency. Tonglai Village in Changsuo Township, Dingri, reported significant structural collapses.

Military responds with drones and relief forces:

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command swiftly activated a disaster relief emergency plan, deploying drones to assess the situation at the epicenter. Medical planes, helicopters, and ground forces are on standby to support rescue operations.

Aftershocks add to crisis:

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed a magnitude 7.1 earthquake at 6:35 AM IST, which was followed by seven aftershocks:

4.7 at 7:02 AM
4.9 at 7:07 AM
5.0 at 7:13 AM
4.9 at 7:29 AM
4.8 at 7:44 AM
4.5 at 8:49 AM
4.3 at 9:11 AM

The region remains under high alert as authorities brace for further tremors.

Rescue and relief efforts intensify:

The PLA's air force has mobilized its resources, while local authorities coordinate relief efforts to provide shelter and medical aid to the affected population. Emergency teams are prioritizing rescue operations and damage assessment in hard-hit areas.

Further updates on the ongoing crisis are awaited as rescue efforts continue.