**Desperate Search for Survivors Continues Following Fatal Tibet Earthquake**

**In a tragic earthquake that struck Tibet, over 126 lives have been claimed and thousands left homeless, prompting urgent rescue missions amid freezing temperatures.**

Rescue teams continue their relentless efforts into the night, searching for survivors in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that has claimed at least 126 lives and caused widespread destruction across Tibet, specifically targeting the region near Everest. Reports indicate that over 3,000 buildings have suffered significant damage following the 7.1 magnitude quake, which struck early Tuesday at around 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT).

The earthquake, which hit the steep foothills of the Himalayas at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, has also resulted in injuries to at least 188 individuals, as reported by Chinese state media. Severe cold is compounding the crisis, with temperatures dropping to as low as -16°C overnight, creating a race against time for rescue teams attempting to locate trapped individuals.

The region, sitting precariously on a major geological fault line, is known for its seismic activity; however, Tuesday's quake has been recorded as one of the most lethal in China's recent history. The US Geological Survey confirmed its magnitude, while state media reported it as slightly less at 6.8, but detailed the powerful tremors felt beyond Tibet, including in neighboring Nepal and parts of India.

Destructive scenes were captured on video by Chinese broadcaster CCTV, showing the devastation in Shigatse city, where rescuers navigated through wreckage to provide aid to affected residents. The local population, particularly hard-hit by the quakes, have been urged to take shelter, as heavy blankets were distributed by volunteers amidst the chaos.

Amidst the destruction, testimonies emerged from locals like Sangji Dangzhi, who noted, "Here the houses are made from dirt so when the earthquake came... lots of houses collapsed." Meanwhile, reports indicated that approximately 3,609 buildings had collapsed by evening, displacing large numbers of residents.

Eyewitness accounts reflect the terror of that day; one hotel resident described his jolting awakening, recalling the sensation of his bed being lifted off the ground amidst the seismic waves. Despite the devastation, activism and community efforts have been unwavering, with humanitarian action underway to assist those affected.

In response, President Xi Jinping has called for immediate assistance in rescue operations to minimize casualties and maintain support for displaced communities. The Chinese air force has begun deploying rescue teams and drones to aid in the recovery efforts.

As the tragedy unfolds, the regional aftermath brings back haunting memories of a past disaster: the 2015 earthquake near Kathmandu that resulted in around 9,000 fatalities, leaving an indelible mark on those who survived. Experts have cautioned that while a magnitude 5 quake might still be possible, the likelihood of further large-scale seismic events remains low.

As rescue operations proceed, the global and local communities pay close attention, offering prayers for the lost lives and hopes for rapid recovery for the injured.