Major earthquake hits Tibet, killing over 90 and injuring more than 130

Tremors from the earthquake were felt in neighboring Nepal and parts of India. This seismic event is one of the deadliest to hit China in recent years. The affected region, located near a major geological fault line where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, is prone to frequent earthquakes.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired videos showing collapsed buildings and destroyed houses as rescue workers navigated through debris to aid residents. Local temperatures in Tingri County, near the quake's epicenter, plummeted to -8°C (17.6°F) during the day and were expected to drop to -18°C overnight, compounding challenges for rescue efforts.

Power and water supplies have been disrupted across the region, including in Tingri County, a popular base for climbers preparing to ascend Mount Everest. Tours to the Everest sightseeing area were canceled, and three tourists in the region were evacuated to safety.

Chinese state media reported the earthquake as having a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8, which caused “obvious” tremors and damaged more than 1,000 homes. Several strong aftershocks followed, though experts at the China Earthquake Networks Center stated that the likelihood of another major quake is low.

The Chinese air force has deployed rescue teams and drones to the affected area, while President Xi Jinping has called for intensified efforts to minimize casualties and assist displaced residents. Local authorities continue to distribute blankets and essential supplies to those impacted by the quake.

While Nepal reported no casualties, residents in Kathmandu were reminded of the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 2015 that killed nearly 9,000 people and injured over 20,000. The tremors on Tuesday morning prompted many to rush out of their homes in fear of a similar catastrophe.