Tibet's Earthquake Survivors Confront Brutal Winter Conditions

In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake, rescuers in Tibet face harsh winter conditions while searching for survivors, with thousands displaced and hundreds injured.

Rescue operations are underway in Tibet as survivors grapple with the aftermath of a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck near Nepal’s border. The quake has left at least 126 people dead and hundreds injured, with severe weather conditions complicating relief efforts after it struck Dingri County on Tuesday.

Tremors have caused thousands of homes to collapse, with state media reporting that over 3,000 structures have been destroyed. The region has recorded 660 aftershocks, some registering above 3.0 on the Richter scale, as temperatures plummet to minus 18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

Rescue teams have been working diligently in subzero temperatures, with many survivors requiring medical attention. More than 30,000 individuals have been relocated to safer areas, and efforts are being made to provide tents, blankets, and warm food to those displaced by the quake, in a region known for its harsh winter conditions.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing visited key sites to oversee the rescue and recovery operation. He emphasized the need to locate any remaining survivors, provide adequate medical care, and ensure that displaced residents receive immediate shelter and warmth from the freezing cold.

Rescue workers have successfully pulled over 400 people from the rubble overnight, with footage showing soldiers and volunteers laboring to clear debris. Roads have been reopened, and electricity has been restored in most affected towns and villages, yet the full extent of the devastation remains challenging to assess due to the region's inaccessibility.

The government continues to focus on overcoming the immediate risks associated with the cold weather, as authorities plan sustained efforts to assist the affected communities in the days to come.