A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Dingri, Tibet, on January 7, causing at least 126 fatalities and injuries to 188 people. The disaster severely damaged local housing, with 80-90% of structures collapsed. Emergency rescue efforts face extreme cold and aftershocks, hindering timely recovery and support for the affected population.
On January 7, at approximately 9 AM local time, a devastating earthquake struck Dingri, a rural county in southern Tibet. Classified as a magnitude 6.8 by China’s national earthquake agency and 7.1 by the United States Geological Survey, this seismic event resulted in the tragic loss of at least 126 lives and left 188 individuals injured, based on reports from the official Xinhua News Agency. Close to 6,900 residents were located within a 20-kilometer radius of the epicenter, with overwhelming destruction reported in local villages where 80-90% of homes have collapsed.
As rescue efforts commenced, thousands of workers, alongside military personnel, tirelessly sought to extricate individuals trapped beneath the debris. However, the extreme cold temperatures, ranging from -8ºC to -18ºC, severely hindered these operations in the Himalayan foothills, situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters, approximately 75 kilometers from Mount Everest. Additional aftershocks compounded the challenges faced by emergency responders.
Images from national media and social networks revealed scenes of destruction, with small white houses typical of the Chinese countryside being reduced to rubble, exposing both deceased individuals and livestock amidst the chaos. In response to the disaster, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged an urgent and comprehensive approach to search and rescue operations, stressing the need to “minimize the loss of life” and relocate those affected by the natural calamity.
The earthquake in Tibet occurred within a seismically active region, where tectonic movements often result in significant seismic events. Dingri, located in the southern part of Tibet and near the notable geographical feature of Mount Everest, has a historic susceptibility to earthquakes due to its proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. The region’s infrastructure, often inadequately designed to withstand seismic forces, can exacerbate the impact of such disasters on the local population and housing. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in seismically active areas, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and response strategies.
In summary, the January 7 earthquake in Dingri, Tibet, has inflicted severe damage on the local infrastructure, resulting in significant casualties and injuries. Emergency response teams are currently engaged in recovery efforts despite challenging weather conditions. The alarming destruction of homes and the intensity of the earthquake underscore the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in regions prone to seismic activity. As the situation evolves, the priority remains on saving lives and providing essential support to affected communities.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
